Category Archives: Art by Susan Sternau

Painting the Golden Gate Bridge

Sunrise Bridge with Rock 2 Oil Painting by Susan Sternau

Sunrise Bridge with Rock 2 A California Icon Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable—and as inspiring to paint—as the Golden Gate Bridge. With its towering structure, sweeping cables, and vibrant “International Orange” hue, it offers artists a perfect blend of geometry, drama, and atmosphere. Whether you’re sketching it on-site or working from a photo, the […]

Wayne Thiebaud: Cakes, Colors, and the Art of Appropriation

Wayne Thiebaud at the Legion on Honor, gallery view 2

Wayne Thiebaud’s Art and the Question of Appropriation When you first see a Wayne Thiebaud painting, it’s impossible not to grin. Rows of frosted cakes, slices of pie, and gumball machines pop in thick, buttery brushstrokes, glowing like treasures behind a bakery window. At first glance, they’re just sweet treats—but look closer, and you’ll find […]

Painting Palm Trees

Pool with Palms by Susan Sternau Palm

Pool with Palms Oil Painting There is something unmistakably poetic about a palm tree. Its shape is simple yet iconic. Palms are tall, graceful, and reach toward the sky with crowns of leaves that move like brushstrokes in the wind. As an artist, I see palm trees not just as symbols of the desert, but […]

California Poppy Art

California poppies by Susan Sternau, detail

With their vibrant orange petals and delicate, silky texture, California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are a beloved emblem of the Golden State. These cheerful wildflowers bloom across hillsides, meadows, and gardens, offering a dazzling display each spring. I have always loved painting flowers, especially California poppies. Here’s a link to the page on my website with […]

The Magic of Painting Flowers

Poppy Garden print by Susan Sternau, magic of painting flowers

Flowers have always been one of my favorite subjects to paint. The magic of painting flowers is key to my inspiration as a painter. This year’s generous rains in Northern California have led to an abundance of spring flowers. It promises to be a very colorful summer here in the Bay Area! This Poppy Garden […]

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