Sue grew up in remote West Otago, in a place called Moa Flat, on a sheep and beef farm. Her mother was keen gardener. Sue's love for flowers and now growing & painting roses and peonys very much began when she was little. Sue and her family live on their rural Ladbrook's property just outside Christchurch.

The garden is Sue's inspiration and source of flowers for her paintings. Sues paintings are large and close format blooms. Most are sourced from her garden, while others are found on walks, in friends garden or on road trips. Her work brings the outside indoors and makes homes beautiful. The story behind each rose or bloom is also of great interest to Sue as well as her desire to encourage everyone to nurture their environment around them.