AWARD WINNING ARTIST, SUSAN J. KLEIN, was born in Dayton, Ohio, and now lives in Sarasota, Florida. She has been painting and exhibiting for over forty years, consistently winning awards and recognition. After receiving a Masters of Fine Arts from Kent State University, she taught classes at Youngstown State University and the University of Akron while continuing her painting career. During this time she also owned and directed The Steel Street Experimental Gallery in Youngstown, Ohio.
Moving to Florida, in 1990, she rejoiced in her adopted state and devoted herself to painting and discovered the wonders of the Florida landscape in the imagery at Myakka River State Park and the beaches of the “Suncoast.” Trips to Europe and the American Southwest, along with National Park artist-in-residencies, have enriched and expanded her oeuvre. Klein participated in the Grand Canyon’s third, seventh and eighth Celebrations of Art, a plein aire competition and fund raiser. Her painting, “Clay Gully Creek,” was selected to be exhibited at the American Embassy in Rome, Italy, during 2001-2004; and the painting, “Resurrection Fern” was displayed in Sofia, Bulgaria (2008-2010), both as part of the United States Department of State Art-in-Embassies program. Other fine paintings are included in prestigious public and private collections, nationally and internationally.
Susan’s self-published book, National Park Artist, Artist-in-Residency Experiences and Full-Color Images of Paintings by an American Landscape Artist, (2021), is available by contacting the artist. Her resume, which lists an extensive exhibtion record, can be seen on her website, www.susanjkleinart.com. Susan’s newest self-published book, Myakka Chronicles, which includes over 134 paintings in full-color created over a period of over 30 years. The imagery is of the many aspects of Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, FL.