Susanne Hansen at Malerkosten Studio
Hansen at her Malerkosten Studio with one her watercolour landscapes.
She is of Danish ancestry and malerkosten means “paint brush.”
She is of Danish ancestry and malerkosten means “paint brush.”
Susanne Hansen is a life-long resident of Woodstock NB who has always painted and has always made room for a proper studio wherever she has lived. "I paint mostly landscape and seascape and usually on location," says Hansen, "but without my art I would not exist."
Recently retired from hospital administration, she is now able to concentrate on her watercolour art. One result of that focus is a new series of watercolours that salutes the heritage character of the Shiretown and which may create some controversy or at least lively discussion.
Recently retired from hospital administration, she is now able to concentrate on her watercolour art. One result of that focus is a new series of watercolours that salutes the heritage character of the Shiretown and which may create some controversy or at least lively discussion.
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Although many readers may recall the Carlisle Hotel from old
black and white photographs,this coloured version seems to bring it back to life. |
This is my quiet, rather personal appreciation of our heritage and the way we're losing it. We have a beautiful town but we're tearing it down one building at a time. It's almost criminal. They tore down the beautiful old fire hall and now it's a Tim Horton’s!
So this could be seen as a lament for our disappearing heritage?
There are 21 new paintings and they're all buildings that I well remember even though a number of them have been destroyed. The memories include the Fisher Hospital, the train station, the beautiful old Bank of Montreal, all on Main Street, along with the old Broadway School and others. But it's not a hopeless situation.
That’s why you’re including some nicely preserved structures, I suppose?
Yes, in addition to six churches, we've got the armoury, the courthouse and the old Prescott Private Hospital which is now a home again. It's so nice when the style and elegance of an old building is preserved. Another good example is Kierstead Court.
Aside from your artistic interpretations of our built heritage, what else might be on your radar in the future?
I’m opening framing shop in January (2014). It’s called Perfectly Framed and will be located just north of Grafton NB on Route 105 towards Hartland.
Your background includes working with the local art club and you also teach watercolour. Do you have any parting words that might help aspiring artists?
Observation is the key, really. Look around, understand what you see. Then, paint what you know.
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| The old Woodstock train station will bring back “romance of the rails” memories for many. Prints of this painting are available at O’Toole Gallery in Grafton NB. |