Scottish artist Susan Smith was born and brought up on a farm in Aberdeenshire, a very outdoor childhood fostering her absolute love of nature and the outdoors. She is an avid observer of animal behaviour and a keen supporter of conservation, as is reflected in her work. She sketches and paints outdoors before developing work more fully back in her studio.

Susan attended Edinburgh College of Art from 1971 until 1976 graduating with a Master of Fine Arts. She studied painting under Sir Robin Philipson & Bob Callender and History of Art under Professor Giles Robertson. She is also a Hospitalfield Alumna.