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Susie Collingbourne


Why Scottish Landscape Art Speaks to People Around the World
The Timeless Appeal of Scottish Landscape Art Thanks to my solo exhibition of Scottish landscape paintings at Hotel du Vin, I’ve recently spent a lot of time talking to guests and clients from overseas about Scottish art . It’s made me reflect on what it is about our landscape that evokes such a visceral emotional response. The Power of Place: Why Scotland Captures the Imagination Collectors from the United States and Europe often tell me how much they enjoy taking a paintin
3 days ago5 min read


How to Start an Art Collection Without Feeling Overwhelmed
People often assume you need deep knowledge (or a big wallet) to start an art collection. But the truth is much simpler and much more joyful: your art collection begins the moment you choose one piece you genuinely love.
Jan 226 min read


Why Paintings of Scotland Make Powerful Gifts for People Living Abroad
As my oldest son has just moved to Canada, thoughts about “home”, “belonging” and “identity” have very much been in my mind recently. It’s reminded me of when I moved to North America as a teenager; the adventure, the excitement, the challenges and the sharpened sense of where you originally came from. A landscape you barely noticed as a child suddenly becomes the place your mind drifts to when you are stuck on a slow moving bus in a different country. A certain quality of li
Jan 186 min read


Bringing Your Story Into Art How I Create a Commissioned Painting
This blog takes you behind the scenes of how I turn those stories into bespoke artwork. Whether you’ve commissioned art before or are quietly considering it for the first time, I hope this guide removes any mystery and shows how warm, collaborative, and enjoyable the process can be.
Jan 157 min read


The Best Scottish Landscapes to Turn Into Art From Highlands to Coast
Scotland is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes : from dramatically rugged, purple-tinged mountain ranges to windswept, isolated beaches. These places make extraordinary subjects for art because they hold emotion, memory and storytelling in every shift of light. Scotland Is an Artist’s Dream Why Scottish Landscapes Make Such Captivating Art As a landscape artist, I feel deeply attuned to Scotland’s wildest and most remote places, its beaches, mountains an
Jan 85 min read


Art is Good for the Heart
The world has felt heavy lately.
Oct 15, 20251 min read


My Least Favourite Part of Being an Artist
Behind the scenes of being an artist... the bit no one talks about! 😂 My least favourite part of the job FOR SURE is washing up painty...
Sep 30, 20251 min read


Solo Exhibition Now Open!
Very excited to share that my new collection of paintings "Land of Light and Colour" is now available to see both in person at Hotel du...
Sep 26, 20251 min read


Fresh Paint, Fresh Energy
There is a familiar trope about the angst-ridden artist expressing their inner turmoil through their heartfelt artwork; tears splashing...
Aug 28, 20251 min read


The True Value of Art
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso In a world overflowing with fast-paced fury, digital overwhelm and mass-produced cheap tat, there’s something quietly powerful about owning an original piece of art. Not a mass-produced print, not a reproduction, but something made by hand, layered with brushstrokes, textures, and energy. It totally changes a space. It’s the first thing I look for in any room: Airbnbs, hotels, restaurants and even dentis
Jun 24, 20252 min read


Golden Hush
This artwork is part of a series of paintings I worked on over a period of 18 months, inspired by the fast-changing weather, colour and...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


My Artistic Process
How I Paint A blank canvas. The most exciting or terrifying aspect of being an artist! How it is transformed into a finished artwork is...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


My Colour Era
I have surprisingly little control over what I paint, how I paint, or even how my paintings turn out. I know how that sounds, but it’s...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


How To Choose the Perfect Frame
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about framing. I’ve even repainted some chunky black frames in a soft, chalky off-white, and I’m loving...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


Open Studio & Borders Art Fair
Hello everyone! I'm excited to kick off my first blog of 2025 with some fantastic news. I have two exciting events coming up, and I...
Jun 15, 20251 min read


“Confession Time”
I have a confession to make. It’s something which I have only recently come to realise is an “issue” for me, but one which I think other...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


Tips For Hanging Art In Your Home
I want to preface this list by saying that any art that hangs in your home should bring you joy and pleasure, and that - honestly - you...
Jun 15, 20253 min read


My Fancy New Studio!
Not since I moved into Halls of Residence at University have I filled a car with possessions, and been so bloomin’ excited about moving...
Jun 15, 20252 min read


Why do I paint landscapes?
I think for every artist it takes years for their style to materialise. My art tutor at Leith School of Art was endlessly patient with...
Jun 15, 20251 min read


How to Commission a Painting
Creating a bespoke artwork for clients is one of my favourite things to do as a professional artist. It’s such a privilege to be trusted...
Jun 15, 20252 min read
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