Nature, Loss and the Colors Between

Some artists don’t realize their gifts until their second act, something that fills a void of passion that a life transition has left empty. But others have a talent that makes itself known early—at an age young enough that there aren’t even words to articulate the things that will later drive their brush over a blank expanse of canvas or make their fingers dance across the surface of virgin clay.

Susan Klavohn Bryant’s earliest memories of doing anything creative are colored in strokes of crayon as she tried to capture the brilliance of a sunset. At the age of five, her attempts were anything but practiced, but even her young mind knew that what she was seeing needed to be preserved, shared, recreated. “The colors were so astonishing,” she recalls. “I couldn't understand how all the other children could just go on playing as though they weren't able to see what I saw.”

Bryant was fortunate enough to receive guidance and encouragement in sharpening her skills from her grandmother, who was an artist. After graduation, she enrolled in college at UNC-Greensboro. Though her sights were originally set on a science major, it wasn't long before she switched to art education.

Even with her art studies, however, Bryant did not pursue a career that would utilize her expertise. Instead, she became a realtor and spent many years in the real estate industry, satisfying her need to be creative by capturing homes, landscapes, wildlife and other subjects through photography in the hopes of eventually returning to painting.

It wasn’t until 2016 when that artisan hope became reality. Finally, she flexed her creative muscles and began to paint daily, launching herself as a professional artist in 2017. The Charlestonian has since honed her talents, parlaying them into a career as an award-winning artist. She still works as a real estate agent—a fact which has afforded her with endless inspiration as she has explored Charleston’s various neighborhoods, amassing photographs of coastal landscapes for future works of art.

Landscapes are where Bryant excels, imbuing the canvas with the same passion as that five-year-old little girl, who wanted nothing more than to recreate the incredible beauty and colors of a sunset. Marsh scenes, still life, beachscapes, birds and wildlife all bear her signature, using a style that is “more expressionistic than realistic” as she escapes into the canvas, creating pieces that bring her joy.

Additionally, since becoming a member of the Brookgreen Gardens Plein Air Guild, she enjoys creating expressive paintings of the flowers, water lilies, butterflies and dragonflies that abound in the gardens. “I love to walk through the grounds and enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature while marveling at the statuary and ever-changing artistic displays,” says Bryant of her greatest muse.

“The more pastel and vibrant colors of Charleston and nearby coastal areas are different from the deep greens and browns of the forest landscapes I remember from my childhood,” the North Carolina native continues. “Getting to paint such gorgeous colors is thrilling, and being out in

nature offers important therapeutic benefits that an artist can enjoy as they paint. For viewers, this artwork helps soothe, comfort, bring relaxation and lift spirits.”

Lifting spirits and touching people through her artwork is an important aspect of painting for Bryant, who lost her youngest son in 2009. Even years later, that tragedy influenced her work, shifting her focus to art as a healing tool as she delved deeper into her craft.

“Life is a journey filled with all kinds of experiences, including joys, sorrows, successes, failures and every other kind of thing we may all go through, if we live long enough,” she says. “The loss of a child is something horrific and unexpected in life, but it does happen. The healing powers of nature and the beauty of art, creating it and sharing it with others, do greatly help in navigating through the grief process. Art and nature are healing—plus, having something to do with your hands to keep busy is important when grief hits out of nowhere.  Thinking of how my artwork might bring comfort or joy to others helps keep me focused and moving forward.”

Bryant’s greatest reward in painting, even when grief is shattering, has been the response of those who see her work. “Many of the clients who have purchased my paintings tell me how much they have enjoyed living with them and how much they have experienced feelings of peace and tranquility since the paintings have been brought into their homes.”

Bryant has recently explored making her art wearable. “Months ago, I was trying to find a unique kimono or wrap to wear over a simple gown to a formal event,” she recalls. “After not being able to find anything suitable, I looked at one of my recent paintings and realized the design would look fabulous as a taffeta wrap. Plus, everyone loves to find something that is one-of-a-kind, like an original painting.” She is currently partnering with a company to produce these wearable art pieces. 

“Designing for clothing is different from producing paintings since the result may be wonderful on a wall but simply won't work for a garment,” Bryant confides. “I would love to see one of my unique taffeta wrap pieces on a celebrity at the Oscars.” 

Through every brushstroke and bold splash of color, Susan Klavohn Bryant continues to transform personal history into art that resonates far beyond her studio walls. Whether captured on canvas or reimagined as wearable pieces, her work carries the serenity of the Lowcountry and the quiet strength of a life shaped by both joy and loss. For Bryant, creativity is more than expression—it is healing, connection and a vivid reminder that beauty can emerge from even the deepest sorrows.

For more information on Susan Klavohn Bryant, visit susanbryantart.com.