Susan was born in Chicago, USA, and had a very traditional art education, working in charcoal, oils, and watercolors
She graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, worked as a freelance portraitist, then she opened her own studio in Chicago where she taught workshops and classes
She fell in love with the Impressionists' pastels, studied this medium and started teaching adults and children its peculiarities
She’s taken part in more than 50 local and international painting contests as artist and juror, winning numerous awards
Susan is a signature member of 6 pastel societies, including International Association of Pastel Societies and Pastel Society of America