In Memorium—Susan Kell

I was saddened to read in Sunday’s paper the obituary for a woman I used to know and respected.

Susan Kell was a watercolor instructor at Paint Creek Art Center in Rochester when we first met. I had just made the decision to pursue my own fine art instead of a career in architectural illustration and I studied with her for a few years. We continued to make contact periodically at local art galleries and exhibitions.

Not only did Susan teach a lot about this difficult medium, she passed on so much more to me as an emerging artist. As I think about her, these are just a few of the things she encouraged in all her students:

• A quest for knowledge beyond just my current medium. Pursuing watercolor did not preclude working to hone my drawing skills, trying different forms of printmaking, or exploring mixed media. Everything works together to feed our art.
• Not to be afraid to try new things or new approaches. Paint from a still life, or from memory. Make up something, tell a narrative. Work in a series.
• There is not a right or wrong type of art or artist. But there are levels, or strata, which are only descriptive. Someone might be in one level only, or might move between levels. It is all good and deserves respect.
• Be as professional as possible—in presenting myself as an artist and my artwork within the arts community.
• Keep working and pushing myself, to grow and evolve.

While she was a wonderful artist and teacher, she was also a strong woman with family values and a sustaining faith. She will be greatly missed.