Sun-drenched sunflowers, sailboats resting in the bay, and simple treasured moments shared with loved ones are just a few of Susan and Jennifer Diehl’s favorite things. From Arizona and Oregon respectively, this mother-daughter team has brought its view of still lifes, landscapes, and people to Cole Gallery now through Oct. 20.

Both Susan and Jennifer believe art to be a communication from painter to audience. Jennifer drawing from nostalgia and Susan from the beauty she has seen in her travels abroad and at home in her own garden. Both fill their work with a unique perspective on their visual experiences, using impressionist brush strokes filled with color and depth.

“I am an optimist who paints from a place of joy,” Susan said, “I hope to bring a little of that into the lives of those who view my work.”

Their works bring more than just visual appreciation; one actually feels the experience and moment of each piece. “I am saying with paint, ‘this is what I have seen and felt’,” Susan said. “As a viewer, you can feel the summer sun warming your soul and the soft breeze tickling the back of your neck.”

Adds Jennifer:  “Life is simple and beautiful. I want people to feel that in my work.”

Truly a family affair, established and award winning artists Susan and her husband Doug created a space for their daughter Jennifer to flourish as her own unique artist.  At just 18, a renowned gallery in Arizona began carrying Jennifer Diehl’s work.   Today, they often paint together when visiting one another and continue to inspire each other.

See this show at Cole Gallery in Edmonds or online (colegallery.net) through October 20th.

(Thanks to Cole Gallery for contributing this article)