About
Susanne Arvidsson – Artist Statement
My artistic practice is rooted in a long and lived relationship with color and creation. For more than five decades, painting has been a natural part of my life—sometimes in the foreground, sometimes as a quiet but necessary force alongside everyday life. For me, art is both a language and a space for presence, where intuition leads and each painting carries traces of time, experience, and movement.
I work primarily in an abstract and expressive manner, often in layered processes where color, charcoal, and structure interact. I begin without a fixed plan, allowing the painting to evolve through dialogue with the canvas. It is within this open and intuitive approach that energy emerges and the work finds its own expression.
Alongside my studio practice, I have worked extensively as an art educator. Teaching has deepened my understanding of creativity as something fundamentally human. My guiding belief—everyone benefits from creating—is grounded in experience rather than theory.
Color is a central force in my visual language. I use it to create movement, balance, and depth, as well as to convey emotion beyond words. My works move between strength and stillness, leaving space for the viewer’s own interpretation.
Today, I work from my own studio and gallery in Örebro, Sweden, creating original paintings and fine art prints on canvas. My practice is shaped by continuity, curiosity, and a strong sense of presence.
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Inspiration
Susanne Arvidsson – Explosions of Color from Imagination
My artistry has always been about expressing what words cannot. Today, I have found a style that is both explosive and vibrant. I paint entirely from my imagination—without references or preconceptions—allowing each piece to emerge naturally and intuitively. Every painting begins with spontaneous lines, what I call "virrvarr," and from there, the composition gradually takes shape. This free and unpredictable process brings my art to life, filling it with movement and energy.
For me, painting is about being in constant motion. I often paint over, start again, and build layer upon layer of color, creating a depth that gives my work a unique dimension. Through this layering of colors, lines, and shapes, I discover new paths and unplanned details, letting intuition guide me toward the final expression. My process is never rigid—each artwork is a journey where I embrace spontaneity and let the painting evolve on its own terms.
Over time, my art has undergone a major transformation—from the classical, naturalistic works of my youth to today’s expressive, colorful, and dynamic style. Each painting tells its own story, full of emotion, energy, and an open invitation for the viewer to explore their own interpretations.
Susanne Arvidsson – A Life in Colors and Creativity
I have always been drawn to art, exploring techniques from a young age. While I took courses early on, I am mostly self-taught, shaping my own expressive style through years of dedication.
In Tanzania, amidst the African wilderness, I found not only adventure but also a deep artistic awakening. Under vast blue skies, I painted outdoors on silk fabric, stretched over handcrafted wooden frames in Dar es Salaam. Zebras, Maasai warriors, and the vibrant landscapes became central to my work, capturing the essence of my time there.
Over the years, my art has evolved from classical realism to a bold, abstract style. My process is intuitive—I start with spontaneous lines, my signature "virrvarr" technique, and let the painting take shape organically. Layers of color and texture build depth, creating artworks full of energy and movement.
Beyond painting, I teach art through courses and workshops, both online and in-person, sharing my knowledge and passion. I have also built my own art business, mastering not just creativity but also marketing and branding.
Art is not just what I do—it’s how I live. My paintings reflect the beauty of spontaneity, and I strive to inspire others to embrace their own creativity.
Upcoming Exhibitions – Susanne Arvidsson
March 26–29, 2026
🌱 Nordiska Trädgårdsmässan, Stockholm
May 1–3, 2026
🎨 Norra Vättern Art Tour
Visit me at Karintorps Tomatodling
Weeks 25–26, 2026
🏙️ AP Showroom, Karlavägen, Östermalm – Stockholm
Selected artist in curated exhibition presentations
October 13 – November 24, 2026
🖼️ Fabriken, Hammarby Sjöstad
Textilgatan 33, Stockholm
August 22 – September 22, 2026
🖼️ Art Bakery, NK – Stockholm
2026
📘 Catalogued by Artportable
Participation in an international contemporary art book
Kommande utställningar – Susanne Arvidsson
26–29 mars 2026
🌱 Nordiska Trädgårdsmässan, Stockholm
1–3 maj 2026
🎨 Norra Vätterns Konstrunda
Besök mig på Karintorps Tomatodling
Vecka 25–26, 2026
🏙️ AP Showroom, Karlavägen, Östermalm – Stockholm
Utvald konstnär i kuraterade utställningssammanhang
13 oktober – 24 november 2026
🖼️ Fabriken, Hammarby Sjöstad
Textilgatan 33, Stockholm
22 augusti – 22 september 2026
🖼️ Art Bakery, NK – Stockholm
2026
📘 Catalogued by Artportable
Medverkan i internationell konstbok
Olja, akvarell, akryl, torrpastell, ink
Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic, Soft Pastel, Ink
What Inspires Me – Painting Process
I paint entirely from imagination. My process is intuitive and exploratory, allowing each painting to evolve organically. I begin with spontaneous lines—my signature Virrvarr technique—where free, seemingly chaotic strokes form the foundation of the work. From there, shapes, movement, and color guide me as patterns and figures gradually emerge from the abstract.
Time and layering are essential to my process. I build each painting step by step, adding, removing, and reworking areas until balance and depth are achieved. Sometimes entire sections are painted over, allowing the artwork to transform along the way. This openness to change is what gives my work its sense of life and energy.
I work with a range of materials, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, soft pastels, charcoal, and ink. Bold colors and strong contrasts play a central role, alongside varied tools such as brushes, palette knives, sponges, and occasionally my hands. The rhythm of the brushstrokes moves between the subtle and the expressive, creating texture and movement across the surface.
For me, painting is as much about presence and process as it is about the finished work. Each painting is an ongoing dialogue with the canvas—an invitation for the viewer to step into an abstract world and discover their own meaning.
Works for sale (8)
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