Growing up in southern Arizona gave Susan an intense love of the outdoors, wildlife and this unique region. Her love of all things wild grew into a passion for art over the following years, inspiring her to create her business.

A native of Tucson, she spent college summers working in Zion National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which offered fabulous adventures in the wild country. Her degree in fine art and speech communication led to various jobs and time living in Wyoming, Connecticut and Massachusetts, where she met her husband. Commercial illustration led her to teach herself watercolor and then acrylic painting—and the fun began! East Coast flora and fauna were inspirational, but the desert held her heart. Since returning to Tucson, her business featuring original art, gift products, cards and giclée prints has flourished. Along the way, she has met amazing people and enjoyed all aspects of the business, from festivals and galleries to working with retailers and, of course, painting.

Beginning with the soft and beautiful flow of watercolors, she was introduced to acrylic paint, which is water-based and can have a nice watercolor feel or be thick and intensely bright. The intense range of colors and energy excited her, and her strong, often whimsical images of wildlife and nature continue to be a joy to create.

If an artist doesn’t love what they are doing, it will show. If they do, there are no limits to what can be created! Painting is a partnership with the paint, water, surface and painter—what happens is always new and a welcome surprise. Her advice for people wanting to learn to paint: Just have fun—that’s when the magic happens!