Susan Birdsong, Watercolor Artist
Susan was born and grew up in Mission, Kansas, a mid-westerner by birth. Growing up, she was always inspired by all forms of art and loved creating with imagination. She continued her creative interests when she attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, studying art and beginning her long career as a student and artist.
A move to Albuquerque, NM in 1969, with her husband and 3 children, found her suddenly in the southwest and inspired by a beautiful land filled with vibrant sunsets and a culture of colors. Susan’s desire was to become a professional artist, but she explored several jobs first. She was a grade school art teacher, a realtor, and an art and print framer; but was always devoted to raising her family. Finally, in 1982 she followed her dreams and began her professional career as a watercolor artist. In that same year she became part-owner of Tumbleweed Gallery in Albuquerque and was honored to become a signature member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society.
Over the last 35 years, Susan has grown and developed as an artist by taking lessons and participating in over 25 workshops presented by internationally known artists. Studying and learning from many different professionals, Susan’s style and subject matter varies widely. She finds different techniques and subjects intriguing, and has expanded her art beyond soft, fluid watercolors. Always looking for new ways of expressing color and texture, she has created exciting mixed media, collages, and dramatic acrylic and oil paintings. From realistic to abstract, her art is always fresh and interesting.
Susan believes everyone should have an opportunity to learn artistic expression through art and has taught watercolor classes to beginners, at her church, for the last 15 years. The classes are open to everyone, and have become so popular, there is always a waiting list. She also traveled for 8 years, to many exciting places around the world, teaching watercolor to countless vacationers on cruise ships. With her husband as her helper, they had wonderful adventures and introduced many travelers, to their first watercolor experience.
During her professional career, Susan has participated in many art and craft shows including Weems Artfest, New Mexico Art and Craft Fair, Rio Grande Art and Craft Fair, New Mexico Masterworks and bi-yearly exhibits of the New Mexico Watercolor Society. Her awards are numerous, both from Masterworks and New Mexico Watercolor Society Exhibits. However, a highlight in her career is being recognized and honored by the New Mexico Masterworks society with the Tri-Centennial Award for abstract design.
Susan’s passion for art is contagious, and her desire to share has touched many lives. Currently, her artwork can be seen at Galleria Tamaya at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa on the Santa Ana Reservation.
A move to Albuquerque, NM in 1969, with her husband and 3 children, found her suddenly in the southwest and inspired by a beautiful land filled with vibrant sunsets and a culture of colors. Susan’s desire was to become a professional artist, but she explored several jobs first. She was a grade school art teacher, a realtor, and an art and print framer; but was always devoted to raising her family. Finally, in 1982 she followed her dreams and began her professional career as a watercolor artist. In that same year she became part-owner of Tumbleweed Gallery in Albuquerque and was honored to become a signature member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society.
Over the last 35 years, Susan has grown and developed as an artist by taking lessons and participating in over 25 workshops presented by internationally known artists. Studying and learning from many different professionals, Susan’s style and subject matter varies widely. She finds different techniques and subjects intriguing, and has expanded her art beyond soft, fluid watercolors. Always looking for new ways of expressing color and texture, she has created exciting mixed media, collages, and dramatic acrylic and oil paintings. From realistic to abstract, her art is always fresh and interesting.
Susan believes everyone should have an opportunity to learn artistic expression through art and has taught watercolor classes to beginners, at her church, for the last 15 years. The classes are open to everyone, and have become so popular, there is always a waiting list. She also traveled for 8 years, to many exciting places around the world, teaching watercolor to countless vacationers on cruise ships. With her husband as her helper, they had wonderful adventures and introduced many travelers, to their first watercolor experience.
During her professional career, Susan has participated in many art and craft shows including Weems Artfest, New Mexico Art and Craft Fair, Rio Grande Art and Craft Fair, New Mexico Masterworks and bi-yearly exhibits of the New Mexico Watercolor Society. Her awards are numerous, both from Masterworks and New Mexico Watercolor Society Exhibits. However, a highlight in her career is being recognized and honored by the New Mexico Masterworks society with the Tri-Centennial Award for abstract design.
Susan’s passion for art is contagious, and her desire to share has touched many lives. Currently, her artwork can be seen at Galleria Tamaya at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa on the Santa Ana Reservation.