About The Artist
After completing my studies at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, I embarked on a professional journey that spanned several years in the realms of graphic design and illustration. This period was not only essential for earning a livelihood, but it also afforded me the precious time to hone and develop my unique style as a painter.
The year 1999 marked a pivotal moment in my artistic career when I rented my first official art studio. This space became my sanctuary, a dedicated environment where I could fully immerse myself in my creative process. During this time, my focus was on capturing the urban landscape of San Francisco, a city that served as a constant source of inspiration and energy.
By late 2000, I had compiled a significant body of work that I was ready to share with galleries. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and in 2001, I was thrilled to begin working with North Beach Gallery in San Francisco, who began representing my urban landscape series. This partnership was a crucial milestone in my artistic journey and a validation of the direction I had chosen for my work.
Now, twenty-five years later, my artistic practice has evolved considerably. I continue to explore and paint a wide variety of subjects, not only on traditional 2D surfaces but also expanding my work to include 3D objects. This evolution has become the driving force behind my creativity, a continuous exploration that propels me to keep creating, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of my art. The journey is ongoing, and the endless possibilities for artistic expression continue to inspire and motivate me every day.
Sue Averell, a celebrated artist hailing from Carlsbad, California, is making her mark in the world of contemporary art. A Southern California native, she relocated to San Francisco in 1997, where her artistic journey flourished while simultaneously working in the graphic design industry.
In 1999, Sue launched her own graphic design business, which offered the flexibility to devote time to her true passion: painting. This freedom allowed her to cultivate her distinct impasto technique, adding layers of texture and depth to her work.
By 2001, Sue had assembled a collection of pieces that captured the vibrant energy of San Francisco’s city life. She introduced this body of work to several galleries, eventually securing a spot at the North Beach Gallery in downtown San Francisco. Her work was not confined to the city, as she spent extended periods living in Thailand, painting both in her San Francisco studio and abroad. Reflecting on this time, Sue humorously notes, “Wow, guess I was enjoying the ultimate work-from-home schedule!”
Sue’s artistic pursuits continued to take her across the globe. She traveled to Thailand, where she painted until 2004, and has since been invited to participate in three prestigious invitational residencies—St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and more recently, India. In January 2023, Sue was invited to paint large murals at an education center near Bangalore, completing three murals on granite slabs, the largest measuring 7 by 10 feet. “Travel has become a big part of what fuels my inspiration,” Sue says, acknowledging the deep connection between her global experiences and her creative expression.
For nearly three decades, Sue Averell’s bold, whimsical paintings have captivated collectors around the world. Renowned for their dramatic color palettes, intricate textures, and expressive, flowing lines, her works are included in private and public collections across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Averell’s distinctive style has also led to an average of 10 commissions per year from both corporate and private clients.
Since 2017, Sue has owned and operated a gallery in Sausalito, California, where she continues to invite art lovers into her creative space. The gallery, which doubles as her studio, offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe her in action as she brings her imaginative works to life. In addition to showcasing her own art, Gallery Sausalito represents a diverse collection of 15 other talented artists.
Sue’s commitment to fostering community and supporting other artists extends beyond her gallery. In 2005, she co-founded The ICB Artists’ Association, a thriving collective based in Sausalito. Since 2023, she has also served on the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce Board. She’s regularly involved in local volunteer projects, including the creation of a striking 40-foot mural on a vacant building in Sausalito in 2020.
When asked how she keeps her artistic practice fresh and exciting, Sue reflects, “My style continues to evolve, and it is this evolution that inspires me to grow and explore as an artist.”
Acrylic Paint, Drawing
Studio Information
Gallery Sausalito
C/D
My studio is located down the brick walkway known as Princess Court.
Contact Information
415 706 5051
Exhibitions & Press
2024
San Francisco Art Fair, Fort Mason – April 25-28
3 Person Show Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – September 13 – October 12
Flower & Hewes, Sonoma, CA – ongoing
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – ongoing
2023
Two Person Show Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – September 29 – October 12
Flower & Hewes, Sonoma, CA – ongoing
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2022
Art Market San Francisco, Fort Mason – April 21-24
Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – ongoing
Flower & Hewes, Sonoma, CA – ongoing
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2021
Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – ongoing
Flower & Hewes, Sonoma, CA – ongoing
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2020
Tierra Mar Gallery, Santa Fe, NM – ongoing
Flower & Hewes, Sonoma, CA – ongoing
Art Palm Springs, February 6-9
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2019
Pillars, ARC Gallery San Francisco, March 1 – April 5
Art Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM, July 18-21
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2018
SOFA, Chicago – Gallery Sausalito, November 2 – 5
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2017
4 Squared, ARC Gallery, San Francisco, September
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Village Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Art Hub Abu Dhabi – Residency & Group Show – January 4 – February 3
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi – Celebrating Ramadan, The Mosque 8th of June – 8th of July
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2016
SOLO Show Prima Fine Art Gallery, Laguna Beach, August 4 – 7
SOFA, Chicago – Gallery Sausalito, November 3 – 6
Abu Dhabi, Art Hub Gallery, January
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2015
Prima Fine Art, Laguna Beach, CA
College of Marin, Kentfield, CA
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Fort Lauderdale Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gallery 1870, Yountville, CA
Prima Fine Art Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Village Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA – ongoing
2014
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Fort Lauderdale Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
McKibben Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Village Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
Art4Aids Auction, San Francisco, CA
2013
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Fort Lauderdale Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Legends Gallery, La Jolla, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
Richard Danskin Gallery, Palm Desert, CA
Art4Aids Auction, San Francisco, CA
2012
Blooms To Buildings, Robert Morris University, Chicago, IL
Blooms To Buildings, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA – Featured Artist In October!
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
Richard Danskin Gallery, Palm Desert, CA
Pop-Up Gallery, Alameda, CA – Group Show, Still Life, July
Cavallo Point Gallery, Sausalito, CA – Group Show, Small Works – October 27th
Art4Aids Auction, San Francisco, CA
2011
More Than Cupcakes, Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Oceanside Museum of Art, “Momento Mori”, Oceanside, CA
Fort Lauderdale Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
Richard Danskin Gallery, Palm Desert, CA
Art4Aids Auction, San Francisco Design Center, CA
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
2010
FEEL THE COLOR, Signature Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Signature Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Art4Aids Auction, San Francisco Design Center, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
Pride, Alumni & Staff Exhibition, CHS, Carlsbad, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
Richard Danskin Gallery, Palm Desert, CA
Large Luxuries Small Wonders, Marin Arts Council, San Rafael, CA
2009
JUGGLING COLOR, Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Gallery 599, Sausalito, CA
Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Art4Aids Auction, Bonhams & Butterfields, San Francisco, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
Landscape Beyond Landscape, SOMArts, San Francisco, CA
Pride, Alumni & Staff Exhibition, CHS, Carlsbad, CA
John Hanes Fine Art, Boonville, CA
2008
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Signature Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
Patterns, Kathleen McMahon Fine Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Pride, Alumni & Staff Exhibition, CHS, Carlsbad, CA
2007
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Urban Landscapes, Esteban Sabar Gallery, Oakland, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
2006
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
Jugglers of Color, Esteban Sabar Gallery, Oakland, CA
Sutter Street Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2005
Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, AZ
North Beach Gallery, Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Art Is Still Life, ArtWorksf, San Francisco, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
2004
North Beach Gallery, Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Hinc, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, CA
ArtworkSF, Café Show, Somarts, San Francisco, CA
2003
North Beach Gallery, Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Landscape Show, The Rainbow Gallery, Colfax, CA
2002
Urban Color Gallery, San Francisco, CA
ArtWorksf, San Francisco, CA
2001
Urban Color Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Art & Sole, Fine Art DuJour Gallery, San Francisco, CA
People, Places, Things, Digital Annex, San Francisco, CA
2000
ArtWorksf, San Francisco, CA
North Bay Business Journal – Feature Cover Story – April 2022
Pacific Sun – Novato, CA – Feature Cover Story – March 2022
The New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM Cover Story – January 2020
Phoenix Home & Garden – Scottsdale, AZ – February 2019 Issue
American Art Collector, Scottsdale, AZ – January 2011 Issue
Arizona Art Collector, 2011-2012 Issue, Article on How To Collect Art
MacGuffin Spring/Summer 2009 Cover, “If I Had A Treehouse”
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Vol. 39, 2007 Cover, “Friends & Lovers”
Marin Magazine, Sausalito, CA – Febuary 2011 Issue
American Art Collector, Scottsdale, AZ – January 2011 Issue
Arizona Art Collector, 2011-2012 Issue, Article on How To Collect Art
My life as an artist IS my reward! : )
North Bay Business Journal – Feature Cover Story – April 2022
Pacific Sun – Novato, CA – Feature Cover Story – March 2022
The New Mexican, Santa Fe, NM Cover Story – January 2020
Phoenix Home & Garden – Scottsdale, AZ – February 2019 Issue
American Art Collector, Scottsdale, AZ – January 2011 Issue
Arizona Art Collector, 2011-2012 Issue, Article on How To Collect Art
MacGuffin Spring/Summer 2009 Cover, “If I Had A Treehouse”
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Vol. 39, 2007 Cover, “Friends & Lovers”
Marin Magazine, Sausalito, CA – Febuary 2011 Issue
American Art Collector, Scottsdale, AZ – January 2011 Issue
Arizona Art Collector, 2011-2012 Issue, Article on How To Collect Art
Education
Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California
