TWO Susans have united for a joint show at the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk: Susan Dugdale (or Susie as she signs off her emails) and Susan Wilmot.

Susie studied graphic design at St Martin’s School of Art and Leeds Polytechnic and her training still informs her varied work, which takes in seasonal floral studies, landscapes, vibrant woodland scenes and collages that incorporate buttons and newsprint.

“My style changes often,” she says. “Having trained as a graphic designer, I respond to briefs, and I view each painting as a brief, so I try to use the most appropriate ways to complete each image.

“There’s no doubt that if I’m sitting in a Force 8 gale on the sea shore, as I did for Boats At Port Mulgrave in April, I respond in a different way to painting cosily holed up out of the wind at Runswick Bay. And my more contemplative studio work, such as my abstract collages, is different again.”

Susie’s latest works investigate planes. “I’ve played with the scale, so the larger and more expansive the view, such as Edinburgh and the views of and from Port Mulgrave, the more diminutive the canvas. Conversely, details of Port Mulgrave and the still-life oils are larger.”

The other Susan’s subjects may at first appear diverse – landscapes, harbour scenes, still life, domestic interiors – but they are linked by colour harmonies, composition and often a loose approach to brushwork.

“Under-painting is key to all my works and the early stages of a landscape may look much like a still life,” she says.

“Inspiration often comes from a glance of a particularly beautiful colour combination. Whether seen in nature, a book or even a textile design, it can then be worked into, or provide the basis for, an entire composition.”

The Susan-at-the-double exhibition will run until June 11 at the Zillah Bell Gallery, Kirkgate, Thirsk. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.