Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sue Riger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sue, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I have learned not to dislike small beginnings. After delving into the print on demand world a few years ago, I had invested time and money into creating quality high resolution digital images of my work. After submissions and signing with an agent, my first royalty check was $14.50

It would have been easy to become discouraged and give up. However, that was a season of very high productivity and development for me as an artist. I am so glad for the experience. My high school art teacher always said, “The first 500 paintings are the hardest.” To date I have painted thousands of works and submitted over 300 large scale paintings to my agents. I learned about color trends, how to paint loosely, and how to infuse paintings with light.

At this point I am shifting gears again and I’m moving into exclusive works intended for gallery sales.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

My passion for painting began in my late teens. My brother, a professional photographer, and I traveled, explored, and took hundreds of pre-dawn hikes. Those quiet places and soft early light moved me to serenity every time. Often the only sound we could hear would be wild ponies crunching on frosty snow. The sun’s rays on misty mornings piqued our interest visually. Those precious events felt surreal, as though we had left the busy-ness of earth and entered a new place where all is calm.

I want my paintings — whether abstract or representational — to evoke that stillness and quiet in people who see them. I’m always interested in light and peace. Painting is a process that, for me, is about finding imagery that causes viewers to stop long enough to return to a place of inner peace.

During Covid lockdowns, I felt a strong urge to help creative people who found themselves shut in and unhappy. My first online course was birthed during those long months. What surprised me was the wonderful friendships that have come out of my online classes. Adult students tend to be very grateful for the coaching I provide and that brings be a lot of joy. I am naturally encouraging and honest. The support and new techniques they receive is a fun combination for them and for me.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first went back into the art field I offered digital services: web design, graphic design, and book layout for publication. While I derived a lot of satisfaction from helping start-up businesses, friends, and small ministries get a web site they would not have been able to afford otherwise, I felt unfulfilled. I needed to return to my love of painting. It took some courage to make that career shift. I hadn’t painted in almost 30 years.

I broke the ice by taking a painting workshop at a local center for the arts. The engines all fired up and I have not looked back. I have continued taking courses and learning. In fact I have learned more in the past few years of being self-taught and taking workshops, immersions, and residencies than I learned earning my BFA in college.

I have gained representation with nine print-on-demand companies, had my work distributed by two agents, studied under ten gifted painters, launched six online courses, and taught live classes. It’s been exciting in every way!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To date I have a little over 26K followers on Instagram. I know many artists who have more followers than that and many who wish they could gain followers too. The algorithm is always changing and currently a skillful reel is in demand. I use an app called Splice to edit video on my phone. I’d recommend getting some good lighting and a tripod to hold your phone if you plan to record studio video.

I’ve asked people what they like about Instagram. It seems there are a few things that keep people coming back. First, be honest and be yourself. Talk about your successes and your pitfalls. Share secrets about technique that people can try on for size. Written content is as important as beautiful pics. We are all on this journey of discovery. Helping others along brings me a lot of personal satisfaction. Because of that I will answer questions to the best of my ability and I nearly always respond to comments. A while ago I heard that using at least four words in a comment or reply goes further to boost your feed than a string of emojis so keep that in mind too. Mostly, have fun and provide something with take-away value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sueriger.com/originals-art
• Instagram: @paintingsbysue
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APaintersJourney/
• Other: Online Courses at Teachable: https://sue-riger-studio.teachable.com