About the Artist

Susan Willis was born and raised in the city of Chicago. She spent her childhood summers vacationing on the shores of Lake Michigan, where she developed a strong love of the outdoors.

Susan Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She received a Master's Degree in Special Education from National Louis College in Wilmette, Illinois in 1974. She spent the next decade teaching at the Martin Luther King Jr. Laboratory School in Evanston, Illinois.

After ten years of teaching in the intermediate grades, Susan left teaching to become a full time Mom. In her spare time, she participated in various athletic endeavors, became involved in community service activities and spent time in nature. In addition, Susan explored a variety of arts and crafts. For many years, she created traditional Amish style quillts. This became Susan's favorite creative pastime.

To further nurture her creative spirit, Susan began studying art at the North Shore Art League and the School of the Botanic Gardens, both of which are located in Chicago's northern suburbs. Her current media choices are pastel, watercolor, pen and ink and oil.

Susan's artwork is motivated by and is a perfect expression of her deep love and appreciation of the natural world. She favors intense and bold colors found in nature and she uses these vibrant colors in her artwork. Susan believes that people need to surround themselves with beautiful and natural things. This helps them to feel their best -- fulfulled, peaceful and joyful.

Susan's artwork -- originals, giclee prints, posters and notecards -- can be found in various galleries, boutiques and commercial establishments in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. In addition, Susan has donated her artwork to benefit various non-profit organizations and her designs are licensed on a variety of commercial products from personal bank checks to large display banners. Susan welcomes all opportunities to further the reach of her work.