Born and raised in Maryland, Saundra Newman began honing her skills at an early age. She won awards for her work as early as high school. She continued painting after graduating college and sold many of her paintings. The years that followed were filled with raising a family and attending law school, followed by a successful legal career. 

Although her creative spirit always burned fiercely within her, it wasn't until later in life that Newman embraced her true passion for artistic expression. After retiring and moving to Florida, Saundra took art classes at the Boca Museum School.  She sought out the renowned art teacher Susan Hanssen, who was only taking on the most seasoned artists. Susan recommended drawing classes with Jane McIntyre at the Boca Museum School. When Susan was subbing in the drawing class, Saundra ambushed her and brought in some of her paintings. Susan took her on as a student in her studio then and there. Shortly after joining her classes, Susan told her, “Saundra, I have never had a student who moved so far, so fast. You are going to be winning awards and people are going to be asking, “Who is Saundra Newman?” Her prophesy came true. At an awards ceremony, Saundra actually heard someone say, “Who is Saundra Newman”?

As predicted, Saundra went on to win many prestigious awards in the Palm Beach Watercolor Society, the Gold Coast Watercolor Society, the Florida Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, and Plantation Art Guild. She won several Best In Show, First Place, Second Place, Emerging Artist and Merchandise Awards. Her work was selected to be shown In the Coral Spring Museum Show. Her work was shown in the Troika Gallery in Easton, Maryland.

The artist enjoys experimenting with new techniques, mediums, and materials, as she pushes the boundaries of her own artistic capabilities. Saundra started with watercolors and over time has moved on to acrylic on canvas. 

She continued taking classes and workshops with many renowned painters: Jeannie McGuire, Skip Lawrence, Mel Stabin, Stan Kurtz, Diane Nance, Sally Cooper, Jane McIntyre, and Jean Pederson. However, her greatest influence remains Susan Hanssen.