Meet the Grassfed Artists – 1 – 25 July 2025

Susan Packard is an Australian contemporary abstract painter. She is drawn to creating impressions or feelings, rather than a representation of things.

For Susan, her studio is her happy place.  It’s a place of mystery and wonder.  There’s never a plan.  Expectation and hope bubble up when she takes a blank canvas or wooden panel and starts building up layers upon layers of acrylic paint.  As the piece progresses it gives her hints of where it wants to go, until finally – after many twists and turns – the work reveals itself.  Susan knows a painting is finished when she’s intrigued by a compelling composition from a distance, and nuanced details up close.  “I hope you, too, feel that hope and wonder when you look at my paintings”.

Despite being still an emerging artist, Susan’s works are often seen and sold in exhibitions. Very recently she received the coveted first place, Abstract Section, of the 2023 Combined Central Coast Annual Prize. 

A range of influences have been absorbed into Carolyn’s work. She studied her craft under teachers that included Desiderius Orban, Des Conner, Garry Foye and Gabrielle Jones. Over the years Carolyn has produced bronze sculpture, assemblages, acrylic and oil painting.

Currently working in oil in a contemporary painterly manner, Carolyn’s work reflects interiors and the wider landscape, expressing a unique way of seeing. Strong colours, expressive marks and distorted forms create interest for the viewer. Painting is about beauty and fun.

Carolyn has received a number of local and national prizes and commendations for her work, and has been a frequent exhibitor in renowned and art society exhibitions. Carolyn also managed a gallery for a time and has a fine eye for curation and artistry

Curator and artist of The Verandah Gallery