About Us

Our Story

Susan started her studio in 1987 in the American Bottoms region near St. Louis, Missouri, where local wetland flora and an abundance of creatures provided her with considerable inspiration. The area is also known for having once hosted a thriving prehistoric culture of mound and temple builders referred to as Mississippians, culturally part of what is called the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex; that fact led Sue to volunteer at various historic sites including Cahokia Mounds State Park, a World Heritage site. That volunteer experience and friendships built in that time led to an appreciation of archaeology and nature that shows in her art. Susan has since relocated to the Nature Coast of western Florida, and resides in an area where it is not unusual to find sandhill cranes, osprey, herons, warblers, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, assorted amphibians, and of course the American alligator. In addition to the abundant native wildlife, there are also species native to other regions of the US and exotics from abroad which invasive or not, are still beautiful subjects. Like the Mississippi River Valley, the Nature Coast is also dotted with mound sites, bogs and swamps which the artist enjoys exploring for new inspiration. While known primarily for painting museum murals of ancient Southeastern peoples and their bottomland surroundings, she is also a nature artist who prefers to deal with her subjects and their environment in an intimate and detailed fashion: prehistoric American archaeology and natural history blend very well. Inside this site you will find samples of all her work, so please enjoy your visit and be sure to return periodically to see additional works of art, special offers, and information on upcoming shows and workshops.