A Love Affair with Art
Susan Stedman at her studio and galery in Malvern, Pennsylvania
Art has the ability to shape lives, tell stories, and create deep connections - something that Susan Stedman of Cloud Nine Painter LLC knows intimately. Her journey as an artist began in her teenage years, inspired by daily visits to the Barnes Foundation. With brush in hand at just sixteen, she discovered a world of color and expression that would ultimately define her career.
Today, Susan is a prolific, full-time painter, working from her Malvern, Pennsylvania studio - a creative haven nestled on her farm, where art and nature exist in harmony. Whether painting en plein air in the warmer months or experimenting with oil, acrylic, gold leaf, and resin in her studio, her work is a reflection of her deep connection to the natural world.
Unbound by artistic labels, she follows inspiration wherever it leads, creating pieces that speak directly to the heart. For Susan, art is more than self-expression—it is about connection—to people, to nature, and to a greater purpose. Her work graces the homes of collectors and interior designers across the country, and she believes that art should be both meaningful and accessible. Beyond aesthetics, she ensures her work gives back, donating a portion of her proceeds to causes close to her heart.
How Art Can Transform a Space
As an interior designer, I have not just witnessed the power of art—I have used it to transform spaces. Beyond aesthetics, art brings personality, energy, and harmony into a home. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your interiors, here are a few ways to use art effectively:
1. Make a Statement with a Focal Piece
A large-scale painting can set the tone for an entire room. Whether it’s a bold abstract or a serene landscape, an oversized piece draws the eye and creates a strong design narrative.
2. Create Harmony Through Color
Art can be the perfect way to tie together a room’s color palette. Pulling shades from a painting and incorporating them into textiles, furniture, or accessories can create a cohesive, well-curated look.
3. Layer Textures and Mediums
Mixing paintings with sculptural elements, mixed-media art, or textured canvases adds depth and dimension, making a space feel more dynamic and lived-in.
4. Curate a Gallery Wall for Impact
A carefully arranged collection of paintings, prints, and personal pieces can bring warmth and visual interest to a blank wall. When done right, it tells a story that is uniquely yours.
5. Use Art to Define a Space
In open-concept homes, art can act as a visual divider, helping define different zones—such as a dining area or a cozy reading nook—without the need for walls.
6. Incorporate Art in Unexpected Places
Art doesn’t have to be confined to traditional walls. Consider placing smaller pieces on bookshelves, leaning framed art against the wall for a casual feel, or even adding art to kitchen and bathroom spaces for an unexpected touch of elegance.
7. Let Art Reflect Your Personality
The most important design rule? Choose pieces that resonate with you. Art is deeply personal, and incorporating works that speak to your soul will always result in a home that feels authentic, inviting, and inspiring.
Art That Enhances Interiors
Susan’s work, with its dynamic compositions and organic inspiration, has a transformative effect on interiors. Her ability to capture the essence of nature and emotion makes her pieces a perfect complement to thoughtfully designed spaces. Whether as a striking focal point in a minimalist setting or a rich, textural element in a layered, collected home, her art enhances the way we experience our surroundings.
A true believer in the power of creativity, Susan embraces not only the artistic process but also the business of art. Leveraging her background in advertising, she has harnessed social media and online platforms to bring her work to a wider audience, ensuring that her passion reaches those who are drawn to it.
You can explore more of Susan’s work on her website and follow her creative journey on Instagram: @cloud_nine_painter.
With every brushstroke, Susan brings beauty, emotion, and connection into the world-proof that art isn’t just something we admire, but something that enriches our lives and our homes in ways beyond measure.
Larisa McShane and Associates. an award winning interior design company.
We transform ordinary and outdated living spaces into places that are special, personal and unique…
www.larisamcshane.com
If you’d like to explore creating a joyful transformation in your home, I’d love to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and let’s design a space that reflects happiness and renewal!
Cal us today at 610.772.0445
