Peacock #1

Peacock #1 , a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I've been working on studies for a larger painting for my daughter...it has to be a peacock, and somewhat realistic, somewhat "my style", so I'm sharing the process with you all..feedback is welcome, and I like ALL feedback, don't be shy! Thanks for looking...xo sue

"A sweet encounter"

"A sweet encounter", a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Another small, spontaneous painting emerged this week. This piece was inspired by a friend who has found love unexpectedly. There is not much that compares to the beginning of a loving relationship..where everything feels radiant and open..like standing in a blooming garden under the warm sun..luminous. Celebrating with her in spirit today....thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Love, love, love....

Love, love, love...., a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Love is all there is...
Painting again... xo sue

"Peace" and her shadow/sue thomson

"Peace" and her shadow/sue thomson, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Another in the "serenity" series..this shadow looked so ominous..it was a lovely surprise and contrast to the peaceful face and message on the stone. I hope you have sunshine and lots of interesting shadows to ponder this weekend! xo sue

serenity stones

serenity stones group1, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I'm feeling so fortunate to have this time to stay inside and see what happens every day in the studio. These new faces emerged this week, and they make me smile...I hope they do the same for you. The stone dictates the shape of each piece, and although it is time consuming to apply layer upon layer of paint, it is at the same time a very medatative process and gives me the surface texture I love. There is nothing like a stone in your hand to make you feel connected to everything, and these are from the island I love, so I feel like I'm there while I work on them. Everything is white outside today..we had the most beautiful snow storm yesterday! The sun is shining and the sky is blue (as you can see from the shadows in this photo), so I'm back to work to get more photos while the light lasts. Have a wonderful weekend..I hope it's serene... xo sue

Via Flickr:
hand sculpted paper clay over stone, paintied with acrylics and accented with colored pencil

Happy Saturday!

sthappymonster1, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I was sculpting serenity stones (photos to come) and this little guy popped out! Trying to stay wide open to what ever the muse sends my way, and hoping it brings a smile to you, as it did me on this cold winter day! A reminder not to lose the "silly" factor I guess. Thanks for stopping by...xo sue

Snow and owls...

owl ornament2, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I woke up to a couple of inches of snow this morning....Just enough to make everything look fresh and pretty, but not enough to bother shoveling..perfect! I'm way too busy to add something else to the list! You too? Happy weekend to you! xo sue

Via Flickr:
One of a kind sculpted paperclay owl ornament or wall hanging..lots of sparkle..

The birds come to life..

The birds come to life.., a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

From little white blobs to happy, colorful birds...this is how I've spent the last two days! The photo doesn't show the detail and subtleties, but you get the idea. I will try to get better pictures tomorrow if we get a little sun. These were supposed to be really simple with lots of glitter on them, but they knew what they wanted to be better than I. It's always better to slide over and let the muse do the driving, don't you think? :-) Thanks for looking! Hope your evening is warm and cozy! xo sue

My Happy Mess

my happy mess, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

The MUSE is in the HOUSE! I love being back in the studio..playing and watching what emerges. Hours go by..I forget to eat, comb my hair, take out the garbage, but it's a happy place..where time is measured only by the light in the room. I have the full spectrum light bulbs in all the lamps now, hoping to trick my body into thinking it's still summer when the days are long and warm. These little birds (that look a little like fish to me!) were born after 11pm last night..I just made one after the other until I was too weary to make more. It will be fun to see where they go from here. I need to finish some things so I have room on the table to work again! I hope your Tuesday is a good one! xo sue

Gratitude/Thanksgiving

Hearts remind me of love...the symbol XO, a kiss and a hug. I am working on hearts right now..it just feels right this time of year! No one can accuse me of being traditional! I am grateful and give thanks for all of you and everything in my life..no exceptions. xo Sue