Sue Graef is an American artist whose vibrant and imaginative works breathe life into the everyday. Born in Philadelphia and now living in Florida, Sue’s art transforms familiar urban scenes into playful, dynamic compositions filled with energy and color. Whether it’s a bustling city skyline or an everyday object like a mailbox, her work invites us to see the world in a fresh and whimsical way.
With formal education from the Philadelphia College of Art, Tyler School of Art at Temple University, and Clemson University, Sue has refined her distinctive style over decades of dedication to her work. Using heavy body acrylic paint on stretched canvas, she brings boldness, texture, and depth to each piece, drawing viewers into her vivid interpretations of cityscapes, landscapes, and the small yet intriguing details of daily life.
Sue’s artwork has been widely recognized in exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally, including notable shows at the Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts in Tampa, and the prestigious Art Wynwood in Miami. Her pieces are part of permanent collections in places like the Haegeumgang Museum in South Korea and Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as in numerous private homes throughout the U.S. and Europe.
At the heart of Sue’s work is her ability to find beauty in the everyday. Her paintings explore the designed and practical world, from bridges and tunnels to iconic architecture, street scenes and skylines, all reimagined through her vibrant and light-hearted lens. Brightly colored bicycles and people with polka-dotted clothing are just a couple of examples of how Sue infuses whimsy into her art, blending the mundane with the extraordinary.
In Sue’s own words:
“I see things as though through a camera viewer, isolating compositions and imagining color combinations as I go. My intention is to attract, intrigue, and amuse my audience while they smile at colorful images. After all, people must disengage themselves from the stress of day-to-day existence, and I would like my work to provide that escape, even if only for a moment or two.”
It’s this joyful and thoughtful approach to art that makes Sue’s work so engaging. She encourages us to pause, reflect, and take in the colors and patterns that shape the world around us—whether it’s the micro details of everyday objects or the sweeping expanse of urban landscapes.
Sue’s impressive list of awards speaks to her artistic excellence, including honors from the Bay Area Art Show, the Visionary Art Collective, and the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. Her work continues to captivate and inspire, offering a moment of respite from the demands of daily life and inviting us to see the world through her uniquely colorful and whimsical lens.
As Sue explains:
“Inspired by life itself and the urge to communicate in a way most people can relate to, I’m always brimming with ideas. Each painting is an exploration of color, form, and space, with the goal of bringing joy and wonder to those who view it.”
Through her art, Sue Graef masterfully combines the familiar and the fantastic, reminding us that beauty and playfulness are all around us—if we only take the time to see.