"I love the notion that some works connect with the viewers and even years later the memory of a particular painting can stay with them long after they have left their presence."
Enhancing some of the works is the use of oils on 24 carat gold leaf and palladium leaf.
"To create a painting on noble metals is the most challenging and well as the most exhilarating thing I have ever done," says the author and art teacher.
Susan was inspired after a visit to France. It was via their business Portrait of Europe art tours with husband Richard.
They visited Carrières de Lumières which is former quarry with art-based multimedia shows projecting images of famous paintings.
Susan describes the visit as "career changing".
"Featured was Austrian painter Klimt, he worked on gold leaf. I was mesmerised and although I choose not to paint in Klimt's painting style, seeing the amazing effect that working on metals can have - my mind filled with thoughts of how the use of precious metals would carry my message within my surrealist and symbolist work."
The difference?
"What I discovered was this skill is very time intensive but wow the amazing fourth dimension is captivating and well worth every moment invested. Some paintings can take months to complete. Pure gold leaf and palladium leaf add another dimension to a panting that can only be truly appreciated when standing before it. The ever-changing daylight on the leafing brings the paintings to life in a way I have never experienced before. As the light changes throughout the day - the painting changes."
The Oropi artist says Gilded Edge - A celebration of gold and colours will be "absolutely full of surprises".
"This exhibition is extra special because the gold and palladium leaf works add a whole new dimension to my work. I am just so excited to share them. There are also works of some of my favourite subjects in oil on Belgian linen and watercolours on artists paper."
Susan has held about 14-15 solo exhibitions throughout her career.
The exhibition is held in Auckland and Tauranga.
The muse in many of Susan's gold and palladium leaf paintings is Tauranga's gifted multi-instrument musician Alice Sea.
Alice will be wearing the outfit she modelled in while playing live at intervals throughout Susan exhibition.