Our current exhibit features paintings by Milton artists Sue Hoy and Christine Schoettle. The exhibit opens Friday October 2nd and will remain on view through November 28.

A Conversation with Exhibiting Artists, Christine Schoettle and Sue Hoy

Tell us a little about yourself as an artist.

Sue: “Fortunately, I was  encouraged to create as a child and pursue a career in the arts. I worked as a graphic designer for many years. When my children were young, I took a painting class and was totally hooked. At first my paintings were very realistic, but  after taking classes with many talented teachers, and lots of practice, I gradually learned how to use bigger brushes, make bold strokes, and simplify shapes.”

Christine:   “My work has changed and encompasses lots of different types of art making I have done over the years. For a couple of years I have been doing a lot of printmaking, and this summer got really into wood and Lino cuts. I think having that outlet for more abstraction may have influenced the recent more realistic turn my oil painting has taken.”

What catches your eye and makes you think, “I want to paint that”?

Sue: “I paint a variety of subjects, still life, landscape, and animals, from life or photos. I’m attracted to the way light falls on an object or an interesting composition. I am drawn to simple subjects of everyday life. When possible, I tried to make a small, simple sketch to refer to in the studio.”

Christine: “I have always connected to the representative style of so many New England artists, who are lucky to be surrounded by the beauty of our natural landscape and the changing seasons.  I spend a lot of time hiking and exploring, walking in the woods and on the beach and gardening.   I am also a lover of color, which shows up everywhere in my life; my closet, my house, garden, dinner plate and my art.  The subjects I choose to paint often combine nature or the outdoors and the everyday things, vehicles, structures, etc.,  that catch my eye, such as a bright red mailbox on a sidewalk, the blue shadows cast on a field of new snow, or the sunlight pattern on the back of a garbage truck I am driving behind.  Painting them in a way that might make a viewer see that thing that made me stop and look is the challenge.”

Your subject matter in this exhibit is cohesive – you both choose everyday scenes and objects, I notice that both of you are choosing similar blues, which adds to the cohesiveness of your paintings together.

Sue: “lol- I was literally thinking when I saw everything together that I needed to hide my cerulean blue and not use that color for the next 10 paintings! I’m very pleased how well our work hangs together. Christine is a very talented painter and it’s wonderful to see our paintings side-by-side.”

 Is there a part of painting that you find particularly challenging and/or a part you especially love?

Christine: “I paint primarily in oil, and prefer to paint on wood boards and panels.  I do paint on canvas sometimes but tend to struggle with the give and tooth of the canvas. I enjoy the permanence, sturdiness, heft and texture of a piece of wood.

Taking photographs is a big part of the process for me.  Often painting compositions are drawn from a compilation of photos, memory and quick sketches.

Sue: “Sometimes it’s a struggle to find time to paint. I do set aside chunks of time during the week to be in the studio. When summer camp at the MAC is in session, I try to spend 10 minutes each morning to keep that creative muscle stretched. Even if it’s just spreading some paint across a sketchbook page with a piece of cardboard.

I love starting a new painting! I always approach a blank canvas with a sense of play, trying to cover the entire space with color and energy. Spontaneity at the beginning helps keep the painting fresh and alive. As I refined my subject, I tried not to get  attached to any one part of the painting. This is the most challenging part. In the end, I’m striving for a balance of order and chaos.”

Is there a piece in the show that represents a new direction or something you have been experimenting with? Have you changed your direction in the past few years?

Christine: “My most recent paintings have been tending a little more toward realism.  Last fall in the early morning while watching one of my daughters rowing practices on a lake, I saw an old man fishing in a row boat.  The image of him backlit in the morning light took my breath away.  I like that small painting which is an example of the shift and is in the show.”

How did you two meet? 

Sue: “Christine and I met in a painting group probably 20 years ago. We have a similar interest in simplified shapes and playing with abstraction. Christine is a very talented artist and it’s wonderful to be showing our paintings alongside one another.”

Christine: “I have known Sue for a long time!  We have painted together in workshops and classes and worked alongside each other at the Milton Art Center in many ways from weeding the yard to teaching Senior Art Lab together.  Sue is so talented, kind, an excellent teacher, and one of the hardest workers I know.  I have learned so much from her. It has been fun to see each other’s work change and develop over the years.  I laughed when she said, “Let’s call the show, “Two Busy Moms Who Really Like to Paint”.”

You both teach at the art center. Has teaching changed the way you approach your own artwork?

Sue: “Teaching makes me a better artist. It forces me to think about my process and make better decisions as I create. It’s so rewarding to watch a child or an adult work through an idea in paint or clay and find a creative solution. I encourage art making without too many rules or fear of failure.

I am particularly excited about our new healing arts program. There are many studies proving that art making has a calming effect on the nervous system and boosts one’s mood. We offer classes where people can take a break from daily life and create together without any expertise or experience.”

 After being part of the MAC for nearly 15 years, what does it mean to now have your work exhibited here together? It makes me think that you both should have been up here way, way sooner!

Christine: “I have been involved with the MAC in some capacity since 2012.  I popped in looking to get involved in Milton’s art community when my kids were babies.  I am devoted to the mission that valuing the arts makes our lives better.  That is true for me. Since then I have participated in lots of ways including organizing exhibits and town partnerships, leading public art projects with kids, teaching various classes, collaborating with teens, organizing fundraisers, planting flower pots and installing sinks,   Currently I serve as President of the Board, teach Senior Art Lab and will begin teaching the Trauma Informed, Healing through Art class this winter.”

What is it about painting that keeps bringing you back? What does it give you?

Christine: “Painting, for me, has been the meaningful connection between mom life and a desire for personal expression, creative challenge and intellectual growth. It has helped me define myself within my home/family life, and given me the challenge, drive, structure and community connection I needed.”

Sue: “This is such a great question. I guess it’s mostly because I feel good when I’m making art. I can get lost in the process easily and I do not realize that three hours have passed. It really is food for the soul.”