Born in Sasebo, Japan and rooted in Mississippi for most of her life, Susan has always felt a deep connection to the South’s landscape and spirit. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Art from Mississippi College in 1978. Although life took her away from the studio for many years, she returned to painting with renewed passion once her children were grown—embracing a long-held desire to create and express. Susan’s artistic journey is one of continuous growth and exploration. Unlike many artists who specialize in a single medium, she has pursued mastery across watercolor, pastel, and oil painting. Her dedication to learning has led her to study under master artists such as Roger Dale Brown, Stephanie Birdsall, and Joe Anna Arnett. She also credits friend and mentor Bob Tompkins for encouraging her development. Deeply inspired by the writings of historic art figures like John Carlson and Edgar Payne, Susan blends classical principles with hands-on experience—especially through painting en plein air, which has transformed the way she sees and interprets the world around her. Drawing inspiration from the places she knows best—her Mississippi home and the scenes discovered on her travels—Susan paints from life, striving to capture not only what she sees, but also what she feels. Her work seeks to reveal the quiet beauty and subtle color found in each subject, creating a visual narrative that stirs emotion and memory in the viewer. Susan’s talent and vision have been recognized through awards and juried selections at local, state, and national levels. She has been recognized as a “Fav 15%” winner by the Bold Brush Art Competition and has exhibited in three Oil Painters of America National Shows and two American Impressionist Society National Shows. Her work was recently selected for inclusion in the Degas Pastel Society International show. One of her pieces has been acquired for the permanent collection of the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, and several have been featured on HGTV’s Home Town. Additional accolades include honors from the Vicksburg Art Association, The Cedars Juried Show, Mississippi Watercolor Grand National Show, Art on the Rez, and Woman Painters of the Southeast. Susan is an active member of several professional organizations, including Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Mississippi Oil Painters Association, Mississippi Plein Air Artists and the Pastel Society of Mississippi. She holds signature membership in both the Mississippi Watercolor Society and the Degas Pastel Society. Her work is represented by the Caron Gallery in Tupelo and Laurel, the Jackson Street Gallery in Ridgeland, and the Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood. When not painting, Susan enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending cherished time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.