Susan Newman

Susan Newman is a native of Mobile, Alabama and graduated from The University of South Alabama with a degree in Computer Science. During highschool, Susan was very involved in art but after graduating took an almost 48-year break from it. It wasn’t until 2012 that she was inspired by a friend to make rustic crosses from reclaimed barn wood, broken glass, pottery, and rusty nails and metal. Since then her wood art has expanded to include not only crosses but wooden ornaments, manger scenes, angels and floral designs made of rustic wood, rusty metal, and glass. Susan’s most notable work is two large crosses that hang in front of the small country church she attends. All proceeds from the sale of her crosses go to a chosen non-profit or charity.

Susan and her husband Don live in Kennedy, Alabama where they are both retired. Living in the rural area where her husband grew up provides an excellent source of weathered wood, patinaed metal, and broken glass. They also love to hike and gather treasures of broken glass and pottery along the trails. It’s not uncommon to see them poking around old home place dumps where people from the past threw out their broken dishes.

In addition to creating works in rustic wood, Susan enjoys painting in mediums like oil, acrylics, and watercolor. Her recent favorite is the “Pen ‘n Wash” watercolor technique. Susan’s personal tagline, “Art from the Heart of Susan”, pretty much describes how she feels about her art. Much of her inspiration comes from photos of family or friends which grab her attention and express something special about that person or situation so that she can’t help but put it on canvas. She feels like her best work is produced when she is deeply attached to the subject that she is painting or with the cross, she is constructing for someone. She says she will never be rich in monetary terms from her art; however, she has a treasure of memories from the art she has given away. Her “art gallery” is spread across the homes of friends and family.

Susan is an active member of Sipsey Arts Alliance.