Susan McLeod

Susan has been passionately involved with the visual arts most of her life. Her early studies included ceramics and glass blowing in Penland, N.C. and the Institution San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, followed by watercolor painting and acrylic studies at the Miano Atelier Academy of Art, Bradenton, Florida. Susan owned and managed two galleries in the 70’s and 80’s; A Small Indulgence on Siesta Key and Susan McLeod Gallery on St. Armands Circle. She enjoyed a long career in real estate with Michael Saunders and Co. Susan’s involvement in the Sarasota community has included board and trustee positions with the advisory board of Mote Marine Laboratory, Humane Society, French Film Festival, Selby Botanical Gardens, Asolo Theatre and Sarasota Season of Sculpture. On a national level she has served with the American Craft Enterprises, Rhinebeck, New York and the International Sculpture Center, New York. She was editor of the Season of Sculpture book on their biennial exhibitions. Susan’s current oil paintings are classically realistic with a focus on portraiture. The art of portraiture approached its apex during the sixteenth century in Europe with the discovery of oil painting when the old masters developed and refined techniques that remain to this day. Capturing character in faces can be metaphorical and the heart of her efforts: Susan’s goal for individual significance.