Suzanne Haydu

Suzanne Haydu received her Bachelors in Art (emphasis in Photography) from Humboldt State University in 1977. In the 1970's and 1980's, her photographs focused on working with dancers, scarves, diaphanous silk parachutes, and umbrellas in outdoor settings to create an ethereal mood. Her photographs were in black and white and frequently shot with infra red film making the sky go dark and the foliage light with a granular effect. Many of the photographs were hand painted with pastel colored oils. Her photographs were always experiments with nature, such as playing with the wind, using back lighting, and shooting directly into the sun. In the 1970's and early 1980's, she showed her hand painted infrared photographs at the Women's Art Gallery in Chico, local venues in Chico and Sausalito, and at the San Bernadino and Riverside Art Galleries. She received awards for her photography from the Berkeley Camera Club and the Riverside Art Gallery, including in a juried show of 35 artists under the age of 35.

In the late 1980's, Suzanne switched to oil paintings. Working with nude female models, Suzanne painted them in clouds and added wings for an angelic effect.

In the mid 1990's Suzanne was mentored by Mitsuyo St. Klair, a local abstract artist that had been living in Placerville, California. Suzanne chose Mitsuyo as her mentor, as she was taken by how much fun Mitsuyo had while giving a demonstration at the Placerville Arts Association. Suzanne returned to the fun she had with photography, specifically playing with nature. Now, her paintings are bold and organic.

Suzanne has shown her art at Phoenix Art Gallery, Twenty-Twenty Eyes, Hang it Up Gallery, Sacramento Democratic Headquarters, Gallery 48, Synapse Wines, and Iron Willow Gallery and Studio.

Note:  Suzanne is a Registered Dietitian and holds two Masters in Public Health (MPH).  One MPH Degree is in Nutrition and one is in Health Education.  She is employed by the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division of the California Department of Public Health.  She is nationally recognized for her work in maternal-child nutrition with special emphasis in breastfeeding promotion and early prevention of obesity. She has previously been known as Susan Beck and Suzanne Beck.