From Advertising to Art Galleries: Artist Suzanne Edmonson Paints a Playful Perspective to L.A.'s Art Scene

Globe and Mail

17-02-2025

Texas-native with a California vibe, Suzanne Edmonson traded ad campaigns for canvas, bringing a sharp storyteller's eye to L.A.'s art scene. Her background in advertising fuels her knack for bold, personality-packed paintings—playful, vibrant, and laced with a wink. Drawing from her photography, she flips everyday moments into offbeat masterpieces with a fresh, irreverent charm. Her work doesn't just hang on a wall—it starts conversations and leaves the audience grinning.
When most people think of Los Angeles, they envision the glamour of Hollywood, the buzz of TV production, and the allure of its star-studded streets, but beyond the silver screen, L.A. pulses with creativity that extends far beyond film. The city is also brimming with world-class museums like The Getty and LACMA, tucked-away galleries in eclectic neighborhoods, and innovative spaces where both established and emerging artists showcase their work. The city's art scene offers something uniquely accessible with the intimate charm of local exhibitions.
Suzanne Edmonson, a Texas native turned proud Angeleno, has carved her own distinctive niche as an artist in this community. Her journey as an artist has taken her from local galleries to international exhibitions, including showcases in Tokyo and solo shows at L.A.'s Gallery 825. Her Faerie Tales: The Secret Life of Animals show featured her unique collection of whimsical paintings in oilexploring the ways animals might see themselves, their place in society, and the boundless dreams they may secretly harbor.
Animals often take center stage in her paintings and have a delightful fusion of personality, whimsy, and realism. Her dogs, for instance, aren't just dogs; they are the kind of characters who might sip whiskey at a speakeasy. Her cats aren't just lounging—they steal cigarettes, exuding an effortless, cool swagger. And then there are her endearing Texas donkeys framed in vibrant yellow or a blue Lone Star State sky and often adorned with unique attire.
Before fully dedicating herself to fine art, Edmonson had a successful career as an art director in the fast-paced world of advertising where she honed her sharp eye for balance in composition and subtle use of lighting by working alongside some of the industry's top photographers. 'In advertising, everything had to feel deliberate but never forced,' she says. 'That's something I learned on production sets and now bring into my art—it's about creating a story without making things seem obvious." Photography continues to play a significant role in Edmonson's artistic process, as she takes the photos she's captured and then reinterprets them with her signature style of playful realism on the canvas.
Suzanne Edmonson's transition from advertising to fine art felt like a natural progression. 'I always had a painting going, no matter how busy I was,' she says. 'It wasn't a choice—it was something I had to do.' Her unwavering passion for creativity ultimately laid the foundation for her move from a career in advertising to the more personal realm of fine art.
Despite her growing recognition, Edmonson remains grounded, creating from her home studio. 'I love being part of the art community in L.A.,' she says. "There's always something inspiring happening, but my favorite place to create is right at home. My little studio gets the most beautiful morning light and my cats are usually curled up nearby, watching me paint." She begins each portrait with the eyes, 'The eyes tell you everything,' she says. 'They carry the soul, the humor, the mischief.' It's this approach that has made Edmonson a favorite among collectors who appreciate not just a likeness, but an emotional connection with the subject.
This ability to breathe life into her subjects has led to her work being featured on the sets of Hollywood productions like Criminal Minds and the Frasier reboot. Through a local curator specializing in film and television, her art has been seamlessly integrated into the on-screen storytelling of various TV shows and movies, lending her distinct style to the visual language of pop culture.
In one of the largest cities in the U.S., Edmonson's unique art stands out for its subtle, whimsical charm. Each piece is a portal into a world where dogs, cats, and even donkeys aren't just creatures, but characters with their own stories to tell. Edmonson shares glimpses of her latest work and artistic process on Instagram and her original oil paintings are available for those looking to add something special to their collections. She enjoys working with clients and welcomes inquiries about custom projects through her website to create exclusive commissioned works, adding a personalized touch with her artistic vision.
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