Sumner Crenshaw

Queen of the Selkies, Oil Painting

2023

Artist Comments
Inspired by a Scottish folktale during her trip to Scotland, artist Sumner Crenshaw depicts two figures under the moon. In the tale, a selkie transforms into a beautiful woman after being hurt by and then falling in love with a man hunting for seals. Afterward, the selkie queen joins the man every night for a dance on the beach. Sumner found this tale to be an intriguing metaphor for the complexities of love, pain, and personal growth.

About the Artist
Artist Sumner Creshnaw paints grand expressionism with a delicate touch. She infuses her work with movement, lines, and varying degrees of color. A universal story resonates from her art with underlying internal narratives. She always captures a glimpse of transformation, growth, and empowerment. The stories she portrays help her subjugate personal trials. These visual metaphors help her find a voice. “It’s a valuable way to connect with viewers,” says Sumner. A constant search for inner understanding and peace has led her to a life of creative endeavors. Residing in historic Downtown Frederick, Maryland, she works from her home studio with her ever-present assistant, Hiccup the dachshund. When Sumner is not dreaming up her next painting, she’s outlining the next destination she can check off her bucket list.

Words that describe this painting: mythology, painterly, curve, feminine, folklore, figurative, women, mermaid, pastel, duo, pair, moon, floating, figure, expressionism, fantasy, nudes, surrealism, oil painting, beige

Queen of the Selkies
Sumner Crenshaw
Oil painting on cradled wood panel
Finished black edges
Varnished and Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on back
2023
24 in. h x 24 in. w x 1 in. d
5 lbs. 0 oz.