Suzanne Rachel Forbes
- Good for Kids:
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14 reviews for Suzanne Rachel Forbes
14 reviews in English
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Review from Bret H.
Oakland, CA
8/30/2011
My fiancee and I commissioned Suzanne to paint an off-the-beaten-path engagement portrait for us, and we're both pleased with every aspect of the experience. This delightful lady pulled out all the stops to make the painting suit our tastes perfectly and to make the experience of being painted as fun and relaxing as possible.
I had never been painted before (outside of grade school), and I must admit that I had felt a bit uneasy about the whole thing... until Suzanne came to our house with her tools, wit, and imagination. She set us at ease immediately. She helped us brainstorm ideas for costume, pose, and overall composition. She took care to make sure we were comfortable at all points -- vital for this sort of endeavor!
The final product fit what we wanted exactly. This was no matter of luck or magic, though! (Okay, maybe a little magic) Suzanne gave us glimpses of her progress, and took our input into account as she worked, delivering a painting wonderfully suited to ourselves and our tastes. She captured us extremely well. I even saw a bit of my passed granddad in my painted likeness, which hadn't been apparent to me until I looked in the mirror again! It's just amazing what Suzanne's eyes can see in someone and what her brush can express.
Though the imp in me wants her work all to myself, the angel knows that Suzanne's wonderful paintings should be shared with the world. If you commission her for yourself, you will definitely be delighted with the results. -
Review from Melissa N.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 8/10/2011
Why can I give Suzanne only 5 stars? Not enough stars are available to describe this amazing artist and wonderful person.
Right after we got engaged earlier this year, my new fiance and I realized we needed a different kind of engagement portrait. You know, something other than your standard engagement photo (she jumps on piggyback on the beach at sunset, etc etc). We'd been wanting to spring for one of Suzanne's paintings for ages, and we now have a double portrait hanging in our home! It's magical, a treasure.
And the process of posing was comfortable and pleasant. We weren't sure exactly how we wanted to be situated, but Suzanne asked good questions and made suggestions and guided us toward a lovely classical pose (with some rather nonclassical elements!). So much better than beach piggyback!
Call her. You won't regret it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2008
Suzanne drew my portrait, and it's now one of my most treasured, save-from-a-fire possessions. Sure,… Read more »
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Review from Elliotte B.
Alameda, CA
3/27/2008
Suzanne sketched me in my own bedroom as an anniversary present to my fiance. He was speechless. When he recovered, he said it's amazing. And I agree. Suzanne made me feel completely comfortable (she's wonderful and friendly and awesome) and made me look sexier than I ever thought I could. (She says that's really me - and I believe her but damn!) Beyond just how I look, she somehow sketched who I am, capturing me in a way that a photo couldn't. It makes me feel gorgeous every time I look at it.
I'm now having her sketch my wedding, because my fiance and I want that extra special something.
Hire her NOW! -
Review from Libby B.
Seattle, WA
6/25/2009
Suzanne painted my portrait last week in my Seattle studio, and she did an amazing job. Not only was I able to relax and chat with her as she painted me (not what I expected!), she was excellent about showing me her progress on the image and explaining various techniques to me as she worked.
Suzanne made me look absolutely great, and was super speedy! She managed to capture all of the nitpicky details of my ridiculous outfit and she works magic with color. I love the greens in my portrait!
She's fabulous! Hire her immediately! -
Review from Heidi D.
Berkeley, CA
3/27/2008 2 photos
Suzanne has created several portraits of me over the last few years, and each one of them is amazing. I have a background in classics and mythology, as well as art history, and each time we discussed at length the influences and references that should be in the painting. The results still give me chills. Suzanne has a rich visual background that she pulls from, both in pop culture and high art, and it all comes together in her paintings in the most wonderful way. Whether you're looking for straight representation, pure fantasy, or something in between, Suzanne's work will blow you away.
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Review from Kitty S.
Berkeley, CA
3/28/2008
Suzanne painted me at a benefit, and we kept missing each other for another portrait. Then, my partner decided he wanted to commission a formal painted portrait of us to put over out fireplace- and man, did Suzanne deliver! We now have a lovely portrait that captures the essence of us perfectly, with all of our favorite things tucked into it without looking messy. Plus, Suzanne is a great host while you're being painted, letting you watch movies and have time off to squirm. Far better than a studio photograph, and way sexier too.
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Review from deborah c.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/5/2008
From our first meeting to her flourish at the bottom of the finished portrait, working with Suzanne was a dream. She makes you really think about what you want to say about yourself, the eternal youness of you. Best of all, she just SEES it, and watching the process unfold before your eyes is like those time-lapse movies of flowers blooming. Interestingly, the "youness" is there in first strokes. She also captures the personality of the clothing, accessories, and objects you surround yourself with. Suzanne just gets it.
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Review from Shaerie M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2008
Suzanne is a superb portrait painter! I commissioned a portrait of myself and my husband for his birthday and we couldn't be happier with the results. Suzanne's ability to capture our likenesses, our personalities and the story that we wanted to tell was uncanny. It was truly a one of a kind experience! Suzanne is totally engaging and charming - she brought so much fun to the sittings. And now we have this fantastic piece of art! Nothing beats having a portrait painted just for you.
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Review from Karen O.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2008
I commissioned a portrait from Suzanne and so thoroughly enjoyed the result! She has a truly provocative way of drawing and painting, so much so that I can't imagine a better way to document myself! I look forward to working with her again and again...
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Review from Eva G.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2009
Suzanne is a fabulous artist. I have two portraits that she has done of me, as well a Children of Evilness print and a couple of sketches. Rather than working from photo reference, Suzanne prefers to work with live models. Sitting for her is a pleasure. I wear a pretty costume, drape myself across something, and gossip for a couple of hours and somehow she turns that pleasant afternoon into art.
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Review from Anu V.
San Pablo, CA
3/27/2008
Suzanne is an outstanding artist and has painted two beautiful portraits that I own. One is of my husband and I, in a straightforward pose that makes us look like a classy late 50s/early 60s couple. The other is of me in my Indian wedding dress, as the Fire element, a juxtaposition that references politics that are problematic at best. Suzanne handled this theme with delicacy and imagination, turning it into a remarkable painting and making me look super-hot at the same time. She is stellar!
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Review from Kate S.
Oakland, CA
4/4/2008
I commissioned a drawing of my husband several years ago and we were completely delighted by the results. Suzanne captured his likeness really well, the process was fun and impressively fast. My husband is a fidget and cannot sit very still but that didn't seem to cause a problem. The drawing was done at home with all his favourite and important things around him that she captured so well. It was a great way to capture a moment in time. It's a very special thing to have.
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Review from Carol F.
Berkeley, CA
4/5/2008 1 photo
Suzanne's work is breathtaking. Her drawings and paintings have a commanding presence; this is obvious to anyone who has seen her paintings. But what you don't know from just seeing her finished work is how exciting it is to watch her create a piece. She works without hesitation, and in an astoundingly short amount of time you see a gorgeous figure appear. Even in the first few strokes, the likeness is uncanny. She finds the essence of her subject and translates it beautifully in paint and ink. As she continues to work on the piece, you'll see the subjects come alive as they become more and more vivid. Truly a wonderful experience from start to finish.
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Review from John C.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2008
A compassionate person appreciates the soul of others, but a compassionate artist, so rare in her vision, can capture the soul of her sitter. Suzanne is often compared to Sargeant and other greats not only because of her technical skill, which is impeccable, but because of her preternatural gift of being able to see and feel a person's most beautiful being. That she can capture that vision and share it is the most extraordinary opportunity. If you've ever thought of having a portrait of yourself, a friend, a partner...you can make no finer choice than this astonishing artist.
