Sue Runkowski[a]

@thatelusiveimage.bsky.social

82 Followers 51 Following

Visual artist and art collector | My art acts as a mirror to the viewer’s own stories, evoking emotions and thoughts that might otherwise remain unspoken. It’s about creating a shared space for connection through the language of visual storytelling.

Small brown rabbit sitting among green grass and leafy plants, with one ear upright and the other tilted back, blending into the woodland ground.
Close-up of a weathered spiral seashell resting on wet sand, with soft gray and tan tones and sunlight casting a dark shadow beside it.
Quiet shoreline with calm blue water, sandy beach grass, and a mix of leafy green trees and tall bare branches under a clear blue sky.
A black vulture perches on a thick tree branch, its dark feathers slightly ruffled and its pale, bare head turned to the side. The bird stands alert against a backdrop of leafless branches that crisscross the frame, set against a muted, overcast sky.
A close-up photograph of a full moon during a lunar eclipse, glowing deep red against a black night sky. Darker shadowed areas and crater patterns are visible across the surface, creating the dramatic appearance of a “blood moon.”
A snow-covered house at dusk, partially obscured by bare tree branches. Warm white string lights frame a small porch, where glowing star-shaped lanterns in red and green hang, casting a soft, festive light against the winter evening.
A bright blue vintage pickup truck is decorated for Christmas, with a small evergreen tree in the truck bed topped by a star. Two golden retriever statues wearing green “Merry Christmas” sweaters sit on either side of wrapped gifts, while a Santa Claus figure stands behind them. Evergreen garlands line the truck bed, and tall trees fill the background.
Bare trees tinged with early red buds line the edge of a calm river on an overcast day. Their branches form a dense, textured canopy above the muted browns of undergrowth. At the lower right, a lone white swan rests near the shoreline, adding a small but striking focal point against the subdued landscape.
Golden-yellow, feathery maple leaves hang from thin branches, softly lit by sunlight against a dark, blurred background.
Sunlit yellow autumn leaves fill the frame as branches crisscross overhead, with patches of bright blue sky visible through the glowing canopy.
Sunlit autumn leaves in shades of gold, yellow, green, and brown blanket the forest floor, with a feathery golden grass plume lying diagonally across the center, glowing in warm light and casting soft shadows.
A view looking up through the dense canopy of a tree covered in vivid red, slender, star-shaped autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a glowing mosaic of reds, oranges, and hints of green. The rough trunk of the tree rises on the left side, while patches of blue sky peek through the intricate web of branches and leaves.
A close-up of a small, weathered doll part—specifically the lower half of a plastic figure—hanging upside down from a rustic wooden fence. The doll’s legs are spread slightly, and a clear, teardrop-shaped container filled halfway with water is attached where the torso would be, giving the appearance of a peculiar hybrid object. Behind it, vertical wooden slats and rusty wire create a rough, natural backdrop. Sunlight highlights the water-filled bulb, making it gleam against the muted, textured surroundings.
A vintage black-and-white sheriff’s patrol car, likely from the 1960s, is parked along a quiet lakeside road. The classic sedan features a gold star emblem on the front door and a single red emergency light on the roof. Behind the car, a chain-link fence borders the lake, with bare trees and houses visible across the water on a clear day.
A hollowed-out tree stump in a forest has been turned into a small woodland shrine. Inside the stump sits a small figurine of a person playing a stringed instrument, surrounded by smooth pebbles and shells. More stones are arranged across the top edge of the stump, along with a green beaded necklace and a small bracelet. Lush green leaves and forest floor debris surround the natural shrine.
A sparkling harbor with sunlight reflecting off rippling water, framed by tall dried reeds and marsh grasses in the foreground. Wooded hills line the distant shore under a bright blue sky filled with white and gray clouds. The scene captures a serene late autumn day with golden light illuminating the water's surface.
A highly reflective silver car, styled like a luxury taxi, is covered in rows of rhinestones along its body, doors, and hood. A rooftop sign reads “SWAROVSKI SKIMS” in illuminated lettering. The car is driving on a New York City street beside a building with scaffolding, and its chrome wheels and mirrored surface give it a flashy, attention-grabbing appearance.
A long wooden boardwalk curves gently through tall, sunlit marsh grasses under a soft, hazy afternoon sky. The low sun creates a bright glow on the horizon and casts subtle shadows along the smooth walkway, leading the eye toward the distant coastline. Trees and reeds frame the path on both sides, giving the scene a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
A cut tree branch nestled among pine needles has been painted to resemble a whimsical face. The flat end of the branch shows two bright pink circles for eyes and a curved pink smile below. Additional neon green and pink paint patches decorate the bark, giving the branch a playful, character-like appearance against a backdrop of leaves and twigs.
Richard Butler from the Psychedelic Furs performs onstage at night, holding a microphone close while wearing tinted glasses, a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and a dark vest. Stage lights create a soft glow around him as he gestures with one hand against his chest, adding emotion to the moment.
A tranquil woodland pond partially covered with green algae and floating leaves, reflecting the surrounding trees and blue sky. A large branch arches low over the water, casting soft shadows and adding depth to the peaceful, sun-dappled scene.
A cluster of orange-yellow mushrooms grows from the rough, dark bark of a tree trunk. The fungi appear layered and slightly spotted, their warm tones contrasting with the textured, rugged surface of the wood.
Two black coffee mugs, a metal spoon, and a glass coffee pot rest in a white sink with scattered water droplets. One mug contains milky coffee with a starburst pattern on the surface, while the other holds dark black coffee.
Rusted iron gate with a circular cross-shaped design in the center, partially flaked with white and brown paint, blocking the entrance to a dimly lit stone corridor with arched ceilings in the background.
A close-up view of autumn leaves scattered on the ground, showcasing a mix of yellow, brown, and green hues. A few bright yellow maple leaves stand out among the faded, crumpled leaves and small twigs, capturing the texture and color of fall’s natural decay.
A sky filled with scattered white altocumulus clouds, creating a textured, dappled pattern against a deep blue background. The soft, fluffy clouds give the impression of a vast, airy blanket stretching across the sky.
Two seagulls are perched on top of a wooden sign that reads “Swimming Prohibited” with a red circle and slash over a swimmer icon. The sign stands on a sandy beach with calm blue ocean water and a clear sky in the background.
A close-up view of a stone gargoyle perched on the edge of a building, its wings raised and one clawed hand extended forward. The weathered statue has a fierce expression and is partially wrapped in a rusty chain. The background shows a clear blue sky.
A weathered sign reading “Please Keep Off the Dunes” stands in front of sandy dunes covered with beach grass and wooden fencing under a bright blue sky filled with large, fluffy clouds.
A fountain sprays water upward in the center of a calm pond, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage in shades of orange, yellow, and brown. Fallen leaves scatter along the shoreline, and the soft mist from the fountain catches the light, creating a serene fall atmosphere.
A white-tailed buck stands partially hidden among tall grasses and dense green shrubs. Sunlight highlights its brown coat and antlers as it gazes calmly into the distance, blending naturally into the surrounding vegetation.
A rust-colored metal footbridge spans a shallow, rocky river with calm, clear water. The foreground shows smooth stones and patches of sand along the riverbank, while dense green trees line the background, hinting at early autumn.
A close-up photo of a large sunflower with bright yellow petals against a pale blue sky. The flower’s center shows an unusual pattern of green and brown textures, and several bees are clustered along the lower edge, collecting pollen.
A calm river scene with a tree and clusters of orange berries in the foreground. The water reflects the surrounding greenery, and a large, light-colored rock sits partially submerged near the riverbank, adding contrast to the tranquil, natural setting.
A cluster of bright orange-red flowers in full bloom attracts several large black butterflies, some with shimmering turquoise wings. The plant is surrounded by lush green leaves and palm fronds, creating a tropical backdrop.
Two bright pink hibiscus flowers bloom among tall grasses and green leaves. One flower faces forward, showing its yellow and red center, while the other tilts to the side. The surrounding leaves have small holes, adding a natural, slightly weathered look to the scene.
A decorative outdoor display with a bamboo fence adorned with three plastic skulls, a model fish, a surfboard painted with a wave, and cutouts of sea creatures including a stingray. Flip-flop sandals are attached to a nearby tree trunk, and thick rope is draped across the scene. Green tree branches and sunlight frame the eclectic arrangement.
View from a sandy cliff with exposed tree roots overlooking a beach and a narrow sandbar stretching into the blue water. The shoreline is bordered by greenery, while the sandbar curves gently into the sea under a clear sky.
Close-up view of a weathered tile floor. The tiles are arranged in a geometric pattern of reddish-brown octagons with small orange square insets. Some tiles are cracked or missing, exposing rough gray cement with irregular patches of white residue, giving the surface an aged and worn appearance.
Two American oyster catchers rest on a sandy beach, surrounded by small shells and scattered driftwood. The birds have black heads, white underbellies, dark brown wings, and long, bright orange-red beaks.
A seagull stands on wet sand at the shoreline, rapidly stomping its feet in place. The bird pauses, then resumes stamping, a foraging behavior used to bring hidden crabs or worms to the surface. Waves gently roll in the background.
A small flock of sandpipers rests on pale sandy beach. Most of the birds are standing close together with their beaks tucked into their feathers, while one lies flat on the sand. Their plumage is mottled brown, gray, and white, blending softly with the beach.
A tall black-and-white lighthouse rises into a partly cloudy blue sky, framed by green trees and shrubs. A wooden boardwalk winds through the lush vegetation, leading toward the lighthouse in the distance.
An interior wooden door with a faux woodgrain finish is heavily damaged, with large sections of the surface peeled and broken away, exposing the hollow core and cardboard honeycomb structure inside. The door is partially open, revealing a dimly lit room with cardboard boxes. To the left is a front entry door with decorative glass panels, and to the right stands a tall orange vase with dried decorative plants. The floor has red brick tiles and a black doormat.
A white wooden church with a tall steeple topped by a cross, featuring pointed arch windows and a central double-door entrance, set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Lush greenery frames the edge of a calm pond under a clear blue sky. Tall grasses, palm fronds, and leafy shrubs fill the foreground, with wispy pampas grass plumes arching toward the water. Trees and plants line the opposite bank, and distant hills are faintly visible through the foliage.
A row of small sailboats with bright neon yellow-green sails is docked at a pier, where people in life jackets gather for what appears to be a sailing class. The pier extends into calm blue water, with a hilly, tree-covered shoreline and scattered buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Large rocks and green plants frame the foreground.
A wooden pier extends into choppy blue-green water, supported by dark wooden pilings. The pier has metal railings and a lamp post. In the background, a white sailboat moves across the water against a backdrop of layered mountains in various shades of blue and purple. The sky is partly cloudy with blue and white tones. The water appears active with small whitecaps visible on the surface.
A rugged stretch of California coastline is seen from above, with steep, rocky cliffs descending into the Pacific Ocean. Large boulders and sea stacks dot the shoreline and water, while the coastal hills in the distance are partially shrouded in mist. The muted tones of the overcast sky lend a soft, atmospheric quality to the scene. Sparse vegetation covers the cliffs, adding texture to the dramatic landscape.
A scenic view from Muir Beach Overlook in California, showcasing dramatic coastal cliffs descending into the Pacific Ocean. Layers of rugged, rocky headlands stretch into the distance under a misty sky, while dark green pine trees frame the foreground. A distinctive sea stack juts out of the water near the shoreline. The atmosphere is serene and overcast, typical of the Northern California coast.
Bright green fan-shaped palm fronds overlap under sunlight, creating striking geometric patterns of light and shadow. The intricate checkerboard-like shadow from one frond is cast onto another, highlighting the fine lines and texture of the leaves. Blue sky and additional foliage are visible in the background.
A close-up photo of a weathered tree trunk with a large hollowed-out section, creating a natural window through which sunlit forest branches and green foliage are visible. The bark is deeply textured and gnarled, showcasing the tree’s age and character.
Sepia-toned polymer gravure print of a lush garden scene in New Orleans, framed by an ornate wrought iron gate and arch. Dense foliage and leafy plants fill the foreground and midground, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. In the distance, a narrow path leads to a small gate partially hidden by shadows. The print has a rich, textured quality with soft contrast, lending it a nostalgic, timeless atmosphere. The image is signed © Sue Runkowski.
A heart shape made of white seashells is arranged on a sandy beach, with the letters "F I" outlined inside the heart. In the background stands a tall black-and-white striped lighthouse with a red-roofed building at its base, under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is peaceful and coastal, evoking a sense of love for Fire Island.
A Barbie doll with tousled blonde hair and a pink dress patterned with fast food items poses with arms raised beside a decorative metal and ceramic palm tree. The palm tree has rusted metal leaves and a glossy, segmented trunk. The backdrop includes bamboo poles and a weathered wooden structure, giving the scene a tropical, kitschy vibe.
A dense cluster of bright yellow black-eyed Susan flowers (Rudbeckia) in full bloom, displaying their characteristic golden-yellow petals radiating from dark brown centers. The flowers are growing abundantly in a natural garden setting, surrounded by green foliage and grass. The blooms appear at various stages of flowering, creating a vibrant carpet of yellow against the lush green background. The image shows the flowers from above, capturing the natural, slightly wild growth pattern typical of this hardy perennial wildflower.
A row of bright turquoise beach cruiser bicycles is lined up on a wooden boardwalk outside a coastal bar named "Bar Aquatic." One standout yellow bike with a pink wire basket is parked among them. A white fence, a yellow umbrella, and signage for a nearby liquor store are visible in the background, contributing to the relaxed, beach-town atmosphere.
A white-tailed doe and her fawn stand alert in a sunlit meadow filled with tall grasses and wildflowers. The doe gazes directly at the camera with ears perked, while the spotted fawn partially hides behind the grass, peeking out cautiously. Dense green foliage forms the background, suggesting a woodland or coastal habitat.
An American Oystercatcher stands on a sandy beach, displaying its distinctive black head and back, bright white underparts, and long, vibrant orange-red beak. Its yellow eye with a red ring is prominent, and its pale pink legs contrast against the sand.
A serene view of a beach during late afternoon with gentle waves lapping against the shore at low tide with tidal pools. The wet sand reflects the sky, creating a shimmering effect with scattered sea foam. People are seen walking along the distant shoreline, and beach umbrellas and dunes line the background under a hazy sky.