From a young age Sue was determined to develop her lifelong fascination for watercolour painting to a professional level, and attended local and regional evening and weekend classes as a stepping stone to perfecting the medium. The steady progress achieved inspired her to take a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Bedford Mander College. Normally a one year course, the modules were specially adapted for Sue to complete over a two-year part time period in order to accommodate her working life. The project was extremely successful, and became the springboard for her gaining a full-time place at Middlesex University to study for a three year B.A. (Hons) degree in 'Visual Communication and Design'. Whist being a graphics degree, the attraction for Sue was one of its two-year specialisms - Scientific Illustration - where she developed her skills in Botanical, Medical, Natural History and Zoological subjects, gaining a first-class honours degree in 1995.

Subsequently, Sue has not only developed her career as a professional freelance scientific illustrator and botanical artist, working to commission for publishers and private individuals but also produces and sells limited edition prints from her original botanical works in this country and abroad. During 1998 - 1999, she was appointed Cambridge University Botanic Gardens first Artist in Residence.

The year 2000 has been a particularly busy time with Sue expanding and consolidating the experience she has gained.

In January this web site was born where her limited editions can be viewed and purchased, and a diary of events/exhibitions is regularly updated.

September saw Sue embarking on a exciting new project as artist in residence at Andrew Green's Bedford Butterfly Park in Willden, Bedford.

While in October, Sue opened her new Red-Cucumberzoo Gallery at Cardington, Bedford where she sells her limited edition prints and provides a picture framing and mounting service which has a reputation for quality and competitive pricing. Sue regularly shows her works at exhibitions throughout the UK. See the exhibition listings page.

Working from her studio at home, from her shed at the Butterfly Park, or from her gallery Sue captures the minute qualities of any subject through close observation and attention to detail, portraying them in her unique gentle style using pencil, water colour and pen and ink.

The qualifications gained have not only equipped Sue for her career, but have also enabled her to pursue her second passion - teaching botanical illustration. Sympathetic and understanding of the concerns of aspiring artists, Sue can be found passing on the invaluable knowledge she has accumulated to students of small classes in local venues, larger classes in adult education centres, and from her studio where she provides one-to-one teaching to low number groups on her 'trouble shooting' days and short courses.

To contact Sue Barker,send an email, call the number above, or use the enquiry form.