Just who is this ‘Sutty’ person?

My name is Mike Sutphin and I was born and raised in Roanoke, VA. In 1963 I joined the U.S. Air Force where I served for four years at both overseas and stateside locations. It was while I was in service that one of my best friends (now deceased) nicknamed me Sutty… and that is how I sign all of my paintings… in honor of that friendship that remained strong for more than fifty years.

In 1967 I was hired by an agency of the Department of Defense and for the next 33 years I served as an analyst and manager, retiring in October of 2000. In September of 2001, just after 9/11, I was asked to return to the agency for a few months to provide assistance during the initial days of the crisis. I later served the agency as an independent consultant for an additional 20 months.

I am now fully retired and happily married to my best friend Lu. She is a retired registered nurse and a true artist in her own right. Much of her work may be seen in her galleries on this site.

Life is full of surprises. I never dreamed that I would be able to pick up a brush and paint a landscape. Had it not been for Lu, I would never have tried. She inspired and encouraged me… somehow she knew I had what it takes, and for that I will always be grateful. It changed my life for the better.

In addition to painting, I enjoy motorcycle riding, genealogy, and a variety of outdoor activities. I also enjoy consulting with Lu as she designs her custom made jewelry.

For many years we lived on Piney Hill just south of Libertytown, MD. In late 2020, we moved to a development near Taneytown, MD. I have one Daughter, Amanda… and two Step-sons, Steven and Matthew.

I hope you enjoy looking at my artwork as much as I enjoy creating it…

Sutty