Born in Los Angeles, Suzanne Baker's family moved to a rustic ranch in the Sierra foothills when she was only five. The artist loved the outdoors and spent her time climbing the Sierras. At the age of eleven Baker earned money by selling worms to anglers and she eventually had enough money to buy her own horse. She rode bareback for three years until she had enough money to buy a saddle. Naturally drawn to animals she took on the responsibility of caring for the families livestock.

Baker's mother encouraged her love of nature and her artistic talent. Many evenings were spent with artist friends painting at the kitchen table. To earn money for college Baker worked as a pack guide in the High Sierras. She attended Calif...