Bass, Sue

Sue is a watercolourist, who is on a journey of discovery with this elusive medium. Colour and light are the captivating allures that often become the inspiration for her next painting. Sue’s desire to follow her passion for drawing and painting led her to classes in 1997 with Perth artist and watercolourist Peter Walker at Fremantle Art Centre. A career and family interrupted this journey, but the passion was still there for this beautiful and elusive medium. Sue loves the way water and colour behave unpredictably, the transparency and luminosity, and of course, the beautiful watercolour papers giving that wonderful tactile experience. Sue does not confine herself to any subject and is excited to try different ways to interpret a subject. An important part of Sue’s preparation for her paintings is the drawing, which enables her to understand the subject better, consider the composition and contemplate how she is going to tackle the painting. Sue does however, hugely respect the medium and although it is difficult, tries to allow the colour and water to have its own say in the outcome of the painting. In 2021 Sue joined the Watercolour Society of WA and has been an active member since, and a committee member producing the monthly newsletter for Members, Friends, Sponsors and Patrons – as well as assisting in the planning and organisation of exhibitions and events. In 2025 Sue won the WSWA Annual Portrait Award and the Still Life Award at the WSWA Annual Awards Exhibition.