Susan Aldworth began her lifelong working relationship with plants as a qualified horticulturist, and so her artistic portrayal of plants is informed by a knowledge and an interest in their physical structure, growth habits and cultural requirements. In her artwork she tries to capture each plant's true essence and 'personality' by paying particular attention to the 'inherent stance' or natural bearing of the plant. She finds that this approach often leads to her most inspired compositions.

Susan enjoys drawing and painting from live specimens to take full advantage of the detailed physical information and immediacy of sensory experience that only a live specimen can provide. However, in certain circumstances, working from photographs and other reference material may be necessary and appropriate. She believes that really looking closely at nature with an open heart and an open mind often marks the beginning of a deeper understanding and appreciation of life.

Susan teaches Botanical Watercolor classes at the North Carolina Botanical Garden at Chapel Hill where she holds a position on the Advisory Council of the Botanical Illustration Certificate Program. She has an Interdisciplinary MA degree in art, botany, and English. She now specializes in botanical art and works mainly in watercolor, but also works in graphite, pen and ink, scratch board and colored pencil.

Member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) and the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA).

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