About The Artist

Susan Morello is originally from Michigan where she studied Graphic & Commercial Design at Western Michigan University. She is a working artist specializing in, but not limited to, soft pastels. She has resided in Manitou for 48 years and has shown her work throughout the Pikes Peak region. For the past 26 years, Susan has owned and operated the ‘Artist Frame of Mind’, a matting and framing business out of her home. Susan has been a member of Pikes Peak Pastel Society since 2013. She has taught both private and group lessons in pastels and is also available for commissioned pieces and portraitures. See her work at susanmorello.com. “After college, upon arriving in Colorado in the mid 70’s, I put my art on hold while I pursued my music career. It wasn’t until 1997 when I was introduced to the medium of pastels, that my interest and love of drawing was rekindled. When I started seriously pursuing my art, I discovered that I had a good eye for framing my work. I loved how I could really make a piece come to life with the right choice of mat and frame. I truly enjoyed the creative process of ‘buttoning up’ and presenting the finished product. I also knew a lot of local artists in need of an affordable alternative to an otherwise costly expense to make their art presentable. So, in 1997, somewhat out of financial necessity, I started my own business. Taking the creative process from start to finish with the ‘Artist Frame of Mind’. As for my drawing, I enjoy the rich and expressive quality of pastels as well as the brilliant colors and textures. I love the tactile characteristic of the medium using my fingers to spread and blend the colors. The feeling of actually ‘getting into’ my work. The subjects that catch my eye and pique my interest are old relics, and bit of ‘Americana’, if you will, and the hidden character that lies within.”

"I have been a soft pastel artist for the last 30 yrs. and I would like this show to be a retrospective example of my work both old & new." Susan Morello