Susie Heyes Art

“Rediscovering Art has been the cornerstone of my ongoing recovery from severe and life-threatening mental illness”

All my artwork has been beneficial to my well-being in some aspect. It has made me more mindful, observing and appreciating the world around me more closely, whilst I look for inspiration for what I can create next. The act of creating enables me to focus my mind and helps distract me from negative thoughts.

10% profit of all Susie’s sales go directly to HFEH Mind to support our front line services.

About Susie’s Art

Susie Heyes is an artist specialising in watercolour, in particular, landscapes and wildlife.

She produces original paintings and more affordable prints.

Many of her more recent artworks are of minimalist landscapes using a limited palette to dramatise the atmosphere of a place.

Susie has painted many local places within Ealing and more recently has been painting further afield in London such as Chiswick, Ruislip, Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Many of these paintings are available as more affordable prints.

“Harmony” and “Connection”

are part of the Aura series of abstract watercolours, reflecting my emotional, physical, and mental states throughout my recovery from severe mental illness.

Harmony features blues, greens, and yellows, blending and merging in different ways to create a sense of fluidity and balance. Connection incorporates more earthy tones, with blues, yellows, and golds coming together to evoke warmth and depth.

I hope these pieces resonate with you on an emotional level. While they may not convey the exact feelings I experienced while creating them, your interpretation is just as meaningful. That is the power of art.

Harmony

Connection

“Judgement”

The red yellow and black abstract, “Judgement” is a bold and intense abstract painting that explores the inescapable nature of judgement in our lives. Using a striking palette of yellow, black, and red, the composition reflects the tension and weight of being constantly observed and assessed—whether consciously or subconsciously.

Staring eyes emerge from the canvas, confronting the viewer with an unsettling presence, reinforcing the idea that in today’s society, true privacy is almost impossible. Unless one lives in complete isolation, judgement—both given and received—is an unavoidable part of existence. Strong, expressive brushstrokes heighten the drama, emphasizing the raw emotion and intensity of this reality.

“Tranquility at Dusk” 

captures a peaceful twilight scene in soft gradients of pink and purple. The fading light reflects on misty waters, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Using a wet-on-wet technique, I blended light and dark hues seamlessly, with multiple washes adding depth. Water spray and tilted paper helped maintain the soft, misty effect.

A flock of birds glides through the sky, symbolizing freedom, their movement contrasting with the stillness below. In the distance, a full moon rises over the mountains, casting a gentle glow. Muted tones and soft textures enhance the painting’s sense of timelessness, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet reflection.

“Pink Twilight at Bamburgh Castle” 

is a watercolor painting capturing the peaceful beauty of Northumberland’s coastline. Soft pink and purple washes create a calm summer evening sky, blending gently. In contrast, the foreground is rich in texture, with vibrant red poppies complementing the sky’s colors.

Techniques such as salt, clingfilm, water splashes, and acrylic inks add depth and movement, making the foreground feel dynamic and tactile. The silhouetted castle and distant hills remain minimal, enhancing the serene atmosphere while allowing the colors and textures to stand out.

Bamburgh Castle, an iconic Northumberland landmark, sits on a rocky plateau overlooking golden beaches. With over 1,400 years of history, it adds a timeless presence to the scene.

“Against All Odds in Pink and Purple” 

is part of a series of atmospheric watercolours using a limited palette.

This piece was inspired by photos taken by Susie and photographer David Gordon, capturing trees emerging from a flooded lake in the gardens of Osterley House, West London. The estate, designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, is surrounded by beautiful parkland and has a rich history.

Soft layers of pink and purple washes create a tranquil scene, with a delicate pink sun adding a Japanese influence. The sparse trees standing in still water symbolize nature’s resilience. This minimalist painting, with its calming tones, is perfect for those who appreciate serene, atmospheric art with a limited, harmonious palette.