Born in Houston, Texas in 1971, Susannah Virginia Griffin discovered her passion for art at a very young age. She was first introduced to painting by her late father, Duncan Simmons, a celebrated watercolorist recognized as the first Houstonian to achieve national acclaim in the medium. Inspired by his mentorship and artistic legacy, Susannah developed her own creative voice and, during a pivotal visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in the late 1990s, resolved to pursue painting professionally.
Following her father’s encouragement, she enrolled at the Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where she studied painting to the advanced level
and honed her technical skill and expressive style. In 2011, Susannah began showcasing her work in New York exhibitions, marking the beginning of her public artistic career. A year later, she chose to pause her professional trajectory to dedicate herself to raising her three children, while continuing to nurture her artistic practice privately.
Today, Susannah resides in Houston, where she remains deeply committed to her artistic growth. She is currently enrolled once again at the Glassell School of Art, this time expanding her creative repertoire into photography while simultaneously pursuing her enduring dream of establishing herself as a professional painter. With a foundation rooted in both family tradition and formal training, Susannah continues to evolve as an artist, dedicated to producing work that reflects both her personal journey and her passion for the visual arts.
Women are the central theme of my work, not only because they embody beauty but because they express strength, grace, and individuality in ways that continually inspire me. Through my paintings, I strive to capture more than outward appearance—I aim to reveal an inner quality of the soul, most often through the eyes. I am equally influenced by fashion, movement, and the unique way a woman carries herself, all of which inform the style and mood of my work.
My inspiration also comes from nature, particularly clouds and flowers. Clouds remind me of Creation in constant motion—ever-changing forms that invite reflection and discovery. Flowers, with their delicacy and structure, challenge me to study form, color, and light. These natural elements, combined with my interest in interior design, give my work layers of mood, texture, and evolving styles that reflect my ongoing artistic journey.
I am primarily an oil painter, and every piece I create is painted entirely by hand. I transpose nothing; instead, I rely on observation, study, and the discipline of working through challenges as they arise. This process takes time, but it is where I discover meaning and growth. I often work on multiple paintings simultaneously because inspiration comes constantly from what I see, study, or experience. At the heart of my work is the belief that inspiration itself—both how we inspire and what inspires us—is a vital quality of life. Through painting, I hope not only to grow as an artist but also to inspire others. My aspiration is simple yet profound: to be great at what I love to do, and to let that dedication shine through every canvas I create.