Live music is one of Sue Schaare's main influences and sources of inspiration. You can see from her works what it feels like to be there. Musicians train hard for a performance and on the day they give their best for the appreciation of the audience. Then it's over and the impression of the event is left in people's hearts - and on Sue's canvas.

"People lend themselves to abstracting because of their interesting shapes, positions and expressions whilst involved in various activities. Whenever I attend an orchestral 'happening' I get so inspired by the instruments, sounds and movements of the performers that I just have to sketch. The Jazz Festival at Waiheke Island has provided much of my material for my musical series."

Represented in private and corporate collections across the globe, this full time professional artist has her studio and gallery at Bay View in sunny Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Her move from rural Dannevirke to the café-scene rich, art deco, city of Napier has helped further inspire her. A love of the simple life, coupled with the heady atmosphere of the Bay Cities has combined in her work. The abundance of artistic activities in and around her home - the winery events, concerts, cuisine and culture - are a rich seam which Sue taps with skill and enthusiasm.

"I am not confined by rules: for example, in my city series I like to paint an image that already has an identity and then create my own impression of that particular place."

Sue travels around the country to attend the concerts that inspire her, and takes the opportunity to drop in on workshops and summer schools whilst on the move. Her style is all her own, however. Each one of her paintings is as unique as a live performance, with subtle differences in tone and colour that makes it impossible for her to duplicate her own work.

"Within this series [a collection of works for an exhibition at Statement's Gallery, Napier] I have explored and developed my technique, achieving more tonal range within my work using rich and luscious colour. I am inspired by the sights and sounds within my immediate environment; whilst in my studio working with music and a conducive atmosphere to achieve the desired effect."

An artist who truly enjoys her work, Sue has been chosen as the official ‘Hawke's Bay Harvest Festival Artist'. This was a high point in her career to date. One of her paintings for this role raised several thousand dollars at auction, which she donated to charity (the Cranford Hospice in Hawke's Bay).

Sue works directly onto canvas with passion and energy, using strong lines and striking colour in oil and acrylic. With her potent, dramatic, use of colour her work is bold, powerful and joyful; often producing a strong emotional reaction with her audience. Her eclectic tastes in music - covering the spectrum from classical, through jazz to rock - shine through in her work Not only can you feel what it's like to have been there, but you can imagine Sue sitting next to you, a gleam in her eye as she soaks it all in.

"I believe spontaneity with my work releases the creativity of my subconscious mind."

It is no surprise, then, that Sue Schaare is the recipient of a number of merit awards for her work: