Susan Stockdale worked as an art gallery manager, a special events coordinator, and a public relations director before becoming a full-time mother and artist. She also freelanced as a textile designer for the apparel industry, which gave her an opportunity to express her love of pattern and color. Today her use of pattern and color is a distinctive feature of her artwork. "Booklist" praised her first picture book, "Some Sleep Standing Up," for the way its .".pure acrylic colors feature simple shapes often filled with delightful design work that will appeal to young eyes." For "Nature's Paintbrush" Ms. Stockdale did extensive research and consulted with several zoologists and biologists.

She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, two children, and a patterned cat.