My name is Susan and I'm the artist behind Susan Made It. I picked up a paintbrush at the beginning of 2016 to participate in "The 100 Day Project" by Elle Luna and I haven't stopped painting since! I started the project as a way to feed my hunger for creativity, but didn't realize that painting would also become my daily therapy session.

After just four days of painting with watercolor, I realized I had discovered my passion. My timing couldn’t have been more perfect because right before I began "The 100 Day Project," I suffered from my fourth CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak, due to a tear in my brain lining. The injury not only impacted my daily life, but prevented me from being able to work. I went through two 11-hour brain surgeries over the course of six weeks to repair the leak and spent most of the first half of 2016 stuck at home. I was on medical leave from my daytime job and on tight restrictions to limit my activity. Painting quickly became the thing that got me out of bed each day and kept me from getting down about all that I was missing out on. Painting was part of my healing process.

My painting inspiration comes from a variety of places. Everything from the flowers and fresh produce I get at my favorite farm stand, to my 15 nieces and nephews, and even my rambunctious cat, Rooney. I’ve found that just about any part of my daily life can be a painting inspiration, so I’ve spent this time discovering my favorite subjects – florals and botanicals, abstract art and hand-lettered quotes. While I started painting for my own personal enjoyment, I love nothing more than knowing that my passion also resonates with others.

My studio space is located at my home in Ashburn, VA. I live just west of the nation’s capital, but far enough out to enjoy the mountains, farmland and vineyards! I spend a majority of my days making art, listening to music and enjoying homemade lattes. When I’m not painting, I’m either entertaining my husband and our cat or getting inspiration for my next painting. I’d love to hear more about you, so please feel free to reach out over email (art [at] susanmadeit.com) or follow me on Instagram (@susanmadeit).

xo,
Susan