Susan Headley Van Campen

Continuing the long tradition of Maine floral art embodied by Carolyn Brady and Beverly Hallam, Susan Headley Van Campen is primarily known for her floral still lifes and lush, rural landscapes. She attempts to capture “things that don’t last long—like flowers and skies, water, the sunrise, clouds, approaching storms, a dandelion, an open tulip just before the petals fall off,” Van Campen says. “I am trying to capture the color and shape the first time, that’s all.” Van Campen insists on stark white backgrounds to give her flowers maximum vibrance by contrast, and works exclusively from close observation.