In the vibrant world of Susan Lees, art and nature intertwine in a dance as old as time — yet fresh as the morning dew.

Lees grew up surrounded by farm animals and spent her days riding horses, fostering a love for creatures great and small. That connection with the animal kingdom guided her to become a licensed falconer in her late 20s. Falconry marked the start of a lifelong passion for the wild.

Lees’ journey into the world of art is as textured and layered as her paintings. Employing unique materials and techniques, Lees brings subjects to life with a sense of personality and presence. The pallet knife is her tool of choice, creating thick, textured strokes that add depth and dimension to her work. Lees’ creative process begins with an acrylic wash, typically in bright yellow or sienna, over which she sketches her subject with a charcoal pencil. Shadows are either blocked in first or developed section by section. But it’s the eyes she loves to paint first, believing they imbue her subjects with their soulful essence.

From majestic birds of prey to the humble beauty of rural landscapes dotted with old barns, Lees’ work celebrates the natural world. Yet, it’s not just the subjects she chooses but the way she captures them that sets her work apart. The work itself is a blend of impressionistic realism and painterly looseness — a style she is continually refining and perfecting.

Transitioning to painting full-time after retirement, Lees found that maintaining the discipline to paint daily required the same dedication she applied to falconry.

Lees’ upcoming projects and exhibitions include her involvement with “Fine Art America” and participation in local art walks and programs. Her engagement with the Dry Canyon Arts Association offered her a platform to showcase her work but also provided a sense of belonging and camaraderie among fellow artists.

A piece that holds a special place in Susan’s heart is a painting of a black gyrfalcon, a tribute to her late husband’s falcon. She says the piece, more than any other, blends her passions for art, wildlife, and the memories of loved ones.