I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. My art first went public when I was six in the local fair where I won a ribbon. I took art in high school and won an award at a show at the Carillon in Richmond for my linoleum block print called Beacon. I earned my B.A. at the College of William and Mary where I enjoyed art coursework in drawing and sculpture. I taught English 32 years and raised a son and a daughter so creating personal pieces took a back seat until I retired a few years ago. I ALWAYS used art in my English classroom as an impetus to teach students writing skills. After teaching, during the most recent presidential election, I withdrew from its negativity into my home art studio I named Susi's SonLight Art Studio . There, I found escape and felt inspired to paint 100 watercolor paintings of happy images in about 3 months. A friend gave me space to show them on Dec. 9, 2017. I loved that my attendees enjoyed and even bought my work to hang in their spaces ! That is what I want. I want MY art to brighten YOUR life somehow and that is enough! I also enjoy creating gorgeous ottomans using reclaimed sturdy tables, lovely rich fabrics, and trims.