PreShrunk Artist Spotlight - Susan Black

 

Susan at home in her studio.

Susan Black is an artist based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Those familiar with her work over the past decade may be surprised by this recent series, particularly by its level of detail and commitment to representation. After graduating from NSCAD University, her creative path moved through graphic design, product and jewellery design, collage, mixed media, surface pattern design, and art licensing illustration—experiences that now inform a focused painting practice grounded in curiosity and experimentation.

 

Studio mates Hi (on table) and Barry (in window).

"A collection of 4 paintings from late 2025 that ultimately inspired my 5 PreShrunk submissions - "4 Seasons Botanicals" 11x14" acrylic gouache on paper mounted to wooden panels."

 

Her connection to nature grew from daily early-morning walks, where photographing flowers and birds became a way of slowing down and paying closer attention. Insects have been a source of fascination since childhood, when she imagined becoming an entomologist one day.

 

 

"Final line drawings for PreShrunk paintings. I prefers drawing on my Ipad in Procreate, then print and transfer the drawing to my surface."

Collage played an important role early on, offering a way into representational imagery when drawing felt intimidating. Over time, this evolved into painting as confidence and fluency developed. Today, Susan combines hand painting with digital tools, using Procreate on her iPad to work through line, colour adjustments, and small compositional shifts before committing them to paint.

 

Susan's Collection of PreShrunk 2026
Contact the gallery to make a purchase!

These PreShrunk pieces—pairing carefully observed flora and fauna against dark grounds—reflect a place she has arrived at slowly and somewhat unexpectedly. The small scale encourages close looking, while the saturated colour and precision of detail speak to a practice that feels focused, deeply satisfying, and full of ongoing potential.

 

 

Check out this link HERE to see the entire 2026 PreShrunk show!

 

PRE-SHRUNK is ONLINE NOW!

 Hey friends!  Enjoy PRE-SHRUNK HERE and in person!  We'll be updating the the website as things sell. The most accurate version of the page will be later on tomorrow (Saturday) after the Pre-Shrunk craziness gets a little less crazy. 

 

  

Pre-Shrunk Sneak Peek #2.....Multiple Sneaks Contained!

 Hey folks! We had hoped for another artist spotlight, but the day only allowed for us to share a few of the upcoming PRE-SHRUNKS for 2026 instead...but that's ok!  MORE ART by DIFFERENT ARTISTS TO ENJOY! YAY!  Check back early next week here for another artist spotlight and more sneaks!  

Don't forget the show opens on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm-9pm. Can't wait to see you all in person or online! The full show will be posted online on Friday, January 23rd as soon as we open at 11am that day. 

 

Ok...and now on to the SNEAK PEEKS!

Jennifer Sinclair, Thinking Big Thoughts, Oil on Board, 4"x5"

Zanahoy, CT Lighthouse, Canadian Tire Money Collage, 4"x5"

Mark Brennan, Red Sky in The Morning, Acrylic on Board, 4"x5"

Brianna Killingbeck, Smoked Mackerel, Mixed Media, 4"x5"

 

Laura Huynh Lê, Between Ivy And Shadow, Oil on Board, 4"x5"

 

 

Pre-Shrunk Sneak and Artist Spotlight: Lil Crump

We're featuring a few of our PRE-SHRUNK 2026 artists on our blog every few days, leading up to the opening reception on Friday, January 23rd, 7pm-9pm. It's hard to believe this will be our 22nd year hosting this joyful show. Meet Nova Scotia artist Lil Crump, whose charming cat prints and paintings deliver a delightfully whimsical respite from a world that’s adept at serving up a whole lot of crazy. 

The art of Lil Crump provides a playful magic to the show with her submissions this year. Let's take a peek! We've asked Lil a few questions below which she has answered in her own words below too!

For starters, we asked her...why paint cats?

I get asked this a lot. For me, it comes down to aspiration. I admire a cat’s way of
being—affectionate but independent, dramatic yet quietly thoughtful. Every cat brings a
distinct personality to the canvas, and their little fixations—birds, fish, the occasional
mouse—add humour and energy. They never stop being interesting, which makes them
endlessly fun to draw and paint.

What’s your favourite thing in your studio?

That’s a tough one. My studio is full of favourite things: books, mugs, cards, and images
(Gordon MacDonald’s skyscape included). But what really makes the space is the light.
Two large windows fill the room throughout the day, and in summer when the windows
are open, I’m treated to the smell of roses, lavender, and a hint of salty ocean air. I also
share the space with my office manager, Isla—lovable, occasionally bossy, and happy to
rent out her studio in exchange for treats.

What’s your process?

Balancing spontaneity with design principles, I start with quick sketches to work out
structure and mood, followed by colour sketches to explore the palette and brush
textures. These are often done on my phone using the Procreate Pocket App with an
Adonit Stylus, which means I can do this initial work just about anywhere. My favourite
place to sketch is near the ocean, my most frequent sketching spot overlooks Cleveland
Beach.Once I move to canvas (or wood), I sketch the characters in pencil and then build the
painting in layers—starting with a base layer to ground the composition, then adding
depth, texture, and detail. The final stage is all about refining expression. My goal is
always to create work that feels thoughtful, alive, and lasting.

What inspired your submissions for this year’s Pre-Shrunk show?

One of my previous paintings featured a cat facing his fear of the ocean, accompanied by
a few supportive seagull friends. This year’s Pre-Shrunk canvases build on that idea,
giving me a chance to quietly sneak some of my favourite places and experiences into
the work.

OK!  Sneak peek time...here are two of the four works that will be included in our Pre-Shrunk 2026 show by Lil Crump. Be sure to visit the show in person to see the others as well as art by over 100 artists this year. Visit the gallery in person or online at www.argylefineart.com from January 23rd until February 25th.   

Lil Crump, The Picnic, Acrylic on Canvas, 4"x5"

Lil Crump, Running With Birds, Acrylic on Canvas, 4"x5"

SEE YOU HERE AGAIN on FRIDAY for more PRE-SHRUNK sneak peeks and artist spotlights!

 

ART Saves the Day and the first PRE-SHRUNK 2026 Sneak Peek!

 The world is a little fractured at the moment to say the least...so thankfully artwork can save your day! YAY!  

Take a moment to look at various artworks on our website anytime HERE.

We have so many beautiful works up now by our very talented artists and we also have some fun things ON SALE from our holiday ..check out a few snaps from around the gallery and pop by soon!

 

We have packaged art cards by Heidi Holloway- 6 in a pack...now 50% off so now just $12.50

 

Add a little extra glam to your windows with these resin ornaments by Kim Eddy...you can add them to your Christmas tree next year when the season comes around again too!  NOW just $22.50!

 

Meow meow meow.....NOW just $12.50

 

Look at these beautiful glass pieces to pop in a vase or tuck into your other plants by Rachelle Paul. These were $35 but are now $17.50

 

It's time to BAKE some cookies or maybe even make some art with these cookie cutters...now just $12.50 for a bag. ONLY two left!

 

What day even is it?!!!   If you need a calendar, we've got your covered

...these beauties are 50% off so they are $14 now

 

You're a STAR!  And now you can grab a few of these by Chelsea Legge to decorate your living space and tree for next year too!  They are all hand sewn and beaded. They were originally selling for $25 but are now just $12.50!

 

Check out the art by Adele Webster..and take a larger work home with you or maybe a smaller piece, like these ornaments you can enjoy all year long! 50% off so NOW just $20

 

 Ok!  Congratulations...you've read this far into this blog. YOU DESERVE A BREAK! We are getting ready for PRE-SHRUNK 2026 that opens on Friday, January 23rd...here is the INVITE and here is a sneak peek at 5 that will will be included in the show by Anne Marie MacEachen!

 

 

 

Fresh New Year = Fresh New Gallery!

 Happy 2026 folks! We made it another year... Hooray!!!

All of us at Argyle Fine Art are busy getting back into the swing of things. Starting with a gallery refresh!

Complete upstairs rehanging and a few new pieces in our lower gallery as well.

Upper Gallery - Featuring paintings by Gordon MacDonald

Upper Gallery - Featuring work by Amy Ordoveza

Prints, Cards and Paper goods have been restocked and reorganized.

It's now easier than ever to find a birthday card for your best friend's third uncle...

Refreshed Print Section

Refreshed Cards and Small Gifts

We even have a section for the local Foodies! So much yummy looking art!

All Items Gluten Free and Vegan *not recommended for consumption

We would love to see your beautiful faces in the gallery this month. Drop by, say hello, check out what's new!
We might not chat long since we will be getting ready for our BIGGEST (small) Show of the year. PRE-SHRUNK 2026!!!!!!!

↓ Incase you missed it, show dates are below ↓

and if you really love art, JOIN US for the MEET & GREET SATURDAY FEBUARY 21st!

We are so lucky to have such a supportive community.
Thank you so much for all you do.

See you soon :)

Argyle Fine Art Team