About

About Susan L. Allison

My biography: 

Susan L. Allison earned a Bachelors of Science in Art Education from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She has 35 years of experience teaching and creating art. 

  I taught all levels of art Kindergarten to 12th grade.  My first few years I taught in Dallas and while in Dallas I sold my art works in several art galleries and framing stores. I also did custom framing and matting by contract for framing stores around Dallas.  I sold Watercolors and mixed media pieces using weaving and found objects, naturally dyed wool. One piece I made was a round weaving about 6 foot across. This piece was purchased by JC Penney's home office in Dallas where it hung for several years. 

Most of my years including the last 20 plus I taught High School. I moved to Arkansas where I taught High School art and developed a very sophisticated program.  I helped my students to exhibits around town and helped them enter contests all over the state.  My students won many contests and even money and scholarships to college.  I personal did exhibits of my artwork in Mercy Hospital in For Smith as well as showings in businesses around both Paris Ar. and Fort Smith Ar. Every year I donated art works to be sold in auctions for fund raisers for local people and for Children's Hospital in Little Rock. 

I was one of the first Teachers to start an AP Art 4 for college credit in Arkansas.  As the years passed my school won the Honors Award for one of the highest rates over all for AP classes in the US.  We were one out of 365 school in the US and the only one in Arkansas to win this award.  My students were constantly making top scores including a 5 with a 6 as the highest possible.  

I was chosen by the National Park in Fort Smith to Paint the Christmas ornament to represent the Park at the Christmas dinner in the white house during the Bush Jr. presidency.  The ornament hung on the Christmas tree and was part of a fun raiser for the National Parks system, as people paid to come see the lighting of the tree and for the dinner. 

All during my teaching years I made art and sold it periodically and often did commissioned pieces for people. Portraits of family members for friends and other commissioned works like old schoolhouses and churches. I love watercolors and painting from my own photos. I do oils, acrylics and wood shelves with epoxy colors inserts.  

My philosophy is that I want the viewer of my art to experience a deep connection with the art and feel impacted and inspired to look with in themselves. My art works are inspired by my life journey and reflect things I have learned along the way 

My Art Process

People think artists just sit down and create off the cuff boom 20-30 minutes later you have a great artwork. No that is not how it works for me and I would hazard a guess not for any artist. The parts you don't see to this process start with me before I go to bed. It starts with prayer and clearing out all negative energy in my mind heart and spirit so that I can here, see, and feel creator. It starts with me making myself centered and calm and receptive to the love and help of the creator. Once I have done that, I start visualizing things that I feel are inspirational and have a message for others and myself. Creator gives me images, and I begin imagining and dreaming how I will do this artwork in my sleep. In the morning, I must have my life in some sort of order to spend time on art. This means bills paid, house in some order, not perfect but practical. I need to feel I have time to get started on this image I have dreamed and then I start analyzing what supplies I need and get them ready. By this time, I have spent 8 hrs. of sleep time and most of 3-4 hours of daylight and 11 hrs. have gone into this artwork. Now I start gathering any references I might need and the materials are in place I start working for the next 4-6 hours. I finish and then I take the next 2-4 hrs. looking closely to see if I need to add or change anything. So, each piece takes on average 17-20 hrs. to do. That is a watercolor an oil will take 3-5 days.

This process required peace in my environment, so I guard my peace and I value it. I feel my art is a gift to give to others and myself so I must be responsible for protecting my peace. 

About HorseBlue Studios

Founded in 2024 by Susan L. Allison, HorseBlue Studios is a creative hub rooted in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, dedicated to inspiring imagination, connection, and craftsmanship through art.

With decades of experience as both an artist and educator, Susan brings a lifelong passion for the visual arts to every project. From logo design and branding artwork to custom paintings, mixed-media pieces, and community workshops, HorseBlue Studios exists to make creativity accessible, personal, and meaningful for everyone.

Our mission is simple: to help individuals to understand the importance of expressing their unique stories through art. Whether you’re an artist your self or just looking to explore yourself through art experiences, or looking for a distinctive visual identity, or a student seeking to grow your artistic skills, or a person who just wants to have fun, HorseBlue Studios offers the guidance, skill, and inspiration to bring your vision to life. Join my Monthly New Letter and view my artwork.

Discover My person Art visions through 

• Wood working designs with mixed media including weaving, crystals, and found objects 

• Art Education & Workshops: Periodical videos on how to do things, to art events in person or on You-tube, focused on creative growth and confidence.  There are no mistakes only lessons 

• Custom Artwork: Paintings, illustrations, and mixed-media pieces as well as custom pieces created to fit your aesthetic and space.

Sharing on the news letter will allow for Every project to invitation and to explore creativity—together.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful

If you’re interested in collaborating, commissioning artwork, or joining an upcoming workshop, reach out today!
Call or email HorseBlue Studios to start your next creative journey. (horseblue5472@gmail.com