Sue Moffitt was born in 1955 and grew up on a dairy farm in the beautiful Tyne Valley surrounded by cows. She is sought-after nationally and internationally for her painterly depiction of cows, domestic animals and wildlife. ‘The opportunity I have had to know and observe individuals in a herd of dairy cows has inspired me to express a more passionate interpretation of such awareness in paint. A tutor once said to me, “Paint what it feels like to be a cow, not what a cow looks like”.’
Working from her studio, with its stunning southerly views over the Tyne Valley, Sue is frequently surprised by the sudden, impromptu flurry of hares, pheasants, deer and swans as they emerge from the nearby lake and woods. Her ability to capture these animals in flight, scampering or simply resting, continues to captivate and charm a wide audience.
As a mature student, Sue studied Fine Art and in 2003, graduated with a BA (Hons) from Sunderland University. For her final degree show, cows were the focus. Shortlisted for the Barker & Stonehouse Art Prize, Sue installed ‘Hunday’ - 330 photographs of cows as well as a construction of over two thousand two-litre milk cartons from Co-Op Dairies - equivalent to a day’s milking. ‘My father’s influence as a passionate and motivated man is a significant part of my heritage. This, combined with my personal interpretation of life on a dairy farm provides my continuing inspiration.’
We are very pleased to represent Sue here at Balman Gallery, close to her own studio. Sue is well established nationally, with her unique ability to capture the characters of individual cows.
