| SANTA BARBARA — Sullivan Goss is pleased to present the sixth solo exhibition by magical realist painter Susan McDonnell. Known for her meticulous technique and poetic sensibility, McDonnell continues her exploration of the natural world through a series of luminous still-life paintings and three exquisite drawings, each asking us to consider the miraculous and mysterious lives of the flora and fauna around us.
In this newest body of work, McDonnell turns her attention once again to flowers and other natural curiosities—yet the paintings ask you to look even closer. Tiny creatures animated with subtle gestures of movement act out their tiny dramas on the artist’s spotlit stage. These small discoveries echo the experience of walking through a forest or garden, where patient observation rewards the attentive eye.
Painted with remarkable precision, McDonnell’s work evokes the rich tradition of Victorian botanical illustration. Each petal, leaf, and creature is rendered with a level of detail that speaks to the artist’s deep love of nature. Through dramatic lighting, theatrical compositions, and unexpected juxtapositions, McDonnell introduces elements of magical realism that transform each still life into a stage set for curiosity and imagination to act out new plays.
At a time when the pace of modern life can feel relentless, McDonnell’s paintings invite us to pause, to observe carefully, to contemplate the present moment, and to rediscover our trust in the rhythms of the natural world. Flowers blossom and wither, seasons shift, and life continually renews itself. In this cycle, McDonnell suggests, there is both wisdom and reassurance.
SUSAN McDONNELL received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A. from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where she later taught for many years. She has been exhibited extensively in L.A. and in Santa Fe, but began being represented by Sullivan Goss in 2014. |
