Painter
Suzanne McClelland is a New York-based artist known for abstract paintings built from language, numbers, gesture, and shifting surface effects that include iridescent paint.
Review key details about Suzanne McClelland's career, abstract painting, language, numbers, gesture, iridescent paint, and shifting surface effects that shape her work.
| Born | 1959 · Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Died | — |
| Nationality | American |
| Based in | New York, U.S. |
| Paint media | Iridescent paint · Acrylic paint · Oil paint · Enamel paint · Spray paint |
| Common supports | Canvas · Linen · Painting board · Paper |
| Documented example | Going On (1996), fabricated chalk, acrylic, charcoal, and ink on paper |
| Common subjects | Language, speech, sound, numbers, measurement, bodies, and systems of value |
| Working methods | Layered text, gestural marks, large numerals, contrasting surface effects, and shifting reflective color |
| Known for | Abstract work that turns words, sounds, measurements, and numerical information into energetic painted structures |
| Notable works | Going On · Highland Seer · Here |
Sources: Whitney Museum of American Art, Whitney: Going On, Whitney Museum: 2014 Biennial, Suzanne McClelland: Highland Seer, Christie's: Here, and MoMA: Suzanne McClelland.
See the paint types documented in McClelland's work, with links to PaintZeal references explaining each medium's properties, uses, and working characteristics.
Iridescent paint uses reflective pearlescent particles to create luminous effects that change with light and viewing angle. Some interference colors produce a stronger color-shifting effect, while other iridescent colors create a pearlescent or metallic-like luster.
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint made with pigment and an acrylic polymer binder. It is widely used in art and decorative projects because it is versatile and durable.
Oil paint is a slow-drying paint made with pigment and a drying oil binder. It is widely used for artwork because it blends smoothly and develops rich color.
Enamel paint is a broad category of coatings designed to form a hard and durable finish. Modern enamels may use either oil-based or water-based binders.
Spray paint is a liquid coating packaged in a pressurized can and applied as a fine aerosol. It creates an even finish without requiring a brush or roller.
See the surface types documented in McClelland's work, with links to PaintZeal references explaining how each support behaves and is prepared for painting.
Canvas is a woven fabric used as a flexible support for painting. Artist canvas is commonly made from cotton or linen and sold either raw or coated with a ground layer.
Linen is a strong woven fabric made from flax fibers and commonly used as a support for fine-art painting. Artist linen may be sold raw or prepared with a ground layer.
Painting board is a rigid artist support made from hardboard, wood, or another stable panel material. It may be sold raw or prepared with a medium-specific ground layer.
Paper is an absorbent sheet material made primarily from cellulose fibers. Its weight, sizing, surface texture, and wet strength determine how much paint it can accept before buckling, pilling, bleeding, or warping.
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