Suzie was a professional diver for over 18 years. As a Diving Instructor Trainer, Suzie traveled around the world, as the first woman to teach diving, and license instructors. While working for the CIA, she taught CIA Agents, Secret Service Agents, US Marshals, FBI Agents and other law enforcement personnel how to dive, perform search and recovery as well as other “specialized” skills. She taught President Ford’s Secret Service Agents, some of those special skills.
Suzie has won several distinguished awards for her art, including:
Suzie is honored to be chosen as the Houston Safari Club’s 2019 Artist of the Year. She was on the cover of the Hunter’s Horn and a six-page story in the issue.
She received an Award of Merit from the American Women Artists 2019
Suzie’s painting “Asleep in the Saddle” was purchased by The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum for their permanent Birds In Art Collection.

Featured Acrylic Instructor for SKB Class in Dubois, WY 2017
In 2016 she was awarded the prestigious Rose Award by the Susan K. Black Foundation for her dedication
Mote Marine Volunteer – 15 years of excellent volunteer service award 2017
Society of Animal Artist Show 2016, and was included in the worldwide museum tour for a year.
Two-person Museum show “Keeping the World Wild” at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute June-Aug 2016

Received Simon Combes Award for Conservation with John Seerey-Lester from AFC

Cover of International Artist Magazine, and story “Life on the Wild Side” October/November 2014
Annual Exhibition for Society of Animal Artists most years since 207
Featured Artist for the 23rd Annual Southeast Invitational Miniature Art Show (2015)
People’s Choice at the 23rd Annual Southeast Invitational Miniature Art Show (2015)
Exhibited in Birds In Art 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
Award-winning book: My Painting Is Done, Now What Do I Do?
Master Artist two man show at the Waterfowl Festival 2012
Cover of International Artist Magazine, and story “Life on the Wild Side” October/November 2014
Vie La Differences, a story about Suzie appeared in Sporting Classics Magazine, February 2015
Art of the Tetons, Hard Cover Coffee Table Book, August 2015
Fine Art Tips, Painting Techniques and Professional Advice, by Lori McNee and North Light July 2015
2013 Professional Artist Magazine Competition, Finalist Award for Junk Yard Dog
American Women Artist show in Texas, 2013. 900 entries sent in 60 chosen, including Suzie’s “Sudden Flurry”
2012 Artist Magazine Annual Art Competition, Finalists Award, with an honorable mention in the wildlife category for Sudden Flurry
2011 Artists Magazine Annual Art Competition, Finalists Award, with an honorable mention in the wildlife category for Swan Song
Top 100 in Paint America for two different paintings, Juror’s Award in Paint America for the judges’ favorite painting of the entire show,
Sold paintings at Christie’s and Sotheby’s Art Auctions in London, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and the Honolulu Zoo.
John and Suzie teach MasterClass painting classes all over the United States. Teaching new techniques, demonstrations, sales and marketing information to new students.
In January 2000 Suzie married world-renowned wildlife artist, John Seerey-Lester, and her life has been an adventure ever since. They live, work and play in Florida
Suzie is considered by many to be a real Mermaid.