Susan Allen: A Captivating Plein Air Painter of Landscapes & Nature Scenes from New Hampshire & Beyond

Susan Allen (born March 27, 1963) stands as a distinctive voice in contemporary landscape painting, particularly celebrated for her immersive plein air sessions capturing the serene beauty of New Hampshire’s forests and mountains. Her artistic journey began with a foundational understanding of music—a Bachelor's Degree in French Horn Performance from Augsburg College—laying groundwork for an appreciation of rhythm, texture, and expressive gesture that would profoundly inform her visual art practice. This dual passion – musical performance and visual representation – reflects a core aesthetic sensibility rooted in observation and careful consideration of the natural world.

• Early Life & Education: Allen’s upbringing in Florida instilled within her a deep connection to the outdoors, nurtured by her parents' involvement in the space industry. Her formative years were spent in Virginia, where she attended Santa Barbara High School and Laguna Blanca School, fostering an early interest in artistic exploration.
• Musical Beginnings: At the age of twelve, Allen embarked on her harp studies, guided by mentors Bernard Zhighera and Marcel Grandjany at New England Conservatory. This pivotal experience solidified her commitment to musical expression and established a lifelong fascination with instruments capable of conveying nuanced emotion.

Allen’s artistic breakthrough arrived during her time at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts), where she studied under Catherine Gotthoffer, immersing herself in experimental music alongside fellow students. It was here that she honed her skills as a soloist and collaborated extensively with musicians like Robert Stallman, establishing herself as a pioneer in exploring new musical territories. Her performances consistently showcased her ability to translate complex ideas into captivating sonic landscapes—a skill directly transferable to her painting practice.

• Plein Air Technique: Allen’s distinctive style is characterized by her dedication to working outdoors (“plein air”), allowing her to capture the immediacy of light and atmosphere. She meticulously observes subtle shifts in color and texture, translating these observations onto canvas with a deliberate precision that imbues her paintings with palpable energy.
• Monadnock Art Recognition: Her work has gained considerable acclaim through Monadnock Art, where she showcases her landscapes—often bathed in the golden hues of dawn or dusk—with remarkable sensitivity. Critics have praised Allen’s ability to evoke a profound sense of place and emotion, cementing her reputation as one of New Hampshire's foremost artists.

Allen’s artistic legacy extends beyond her individual paintings; she actively promotes art education and fosters connections between artists and communities. Her involvement with organizations like the Allen County Museum and Historical Society underscores her belief in the transformative power of art to enrich lives and preserve cultural heritage. Furthermore, her dedication to supporting young musicians—through initiatives like the Jennifer Byler Institute—demonstrates a commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering creativity across generations.

• Notable Achievements: Among Allen’s accomplishments are numerous world premieres for harp composers, collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as John Cage and Roman Stolyar, and appearances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space. Her recordings—particularly “Together”—represent a testament to her artistic vision and collaborative spirit.
• Contemporary Significance: Susan Allen’s work embodies the ethos of contemplative observation and expressive gesture—values that resonate deeply within the broader context of contemporary landscape painting. She continues to inspire artists and audiences alike with her unwavering devotion to capturing the sublime beauty of nature through a uniquely personal artistic lens.

Her contribution to the art world is undeniable, representing not merely skill but a profound engagement with the natural environment and a commitment to sharing its wonders with others. Susan Allen’s paintings stand as enduring reminders of the power of visual art to illuminate our understanding of the world around us—and within us.