Lost in the right direction...

   After what seems like a very long process of moving back into my winter home, I am finally back at work in the studio. I have been organizing materials to work with, moving my studio to a new room and digging through boxes of almost finished pieces that are calling for completion. I feel a little lost, but lost in the right direction. I'm in the grip of the muse again, and the dishes are piling up in the sink, my refrigerator was so empty I didn't even bother opening it, but running out of coffee was the motivation it took to get me out of the house this week. I hadn't watched the news for days, but a friend called last night and told me what had happened in Paris. I felt guilty being so removed from the rest of the world, but it motivated me to go to a website focused on Amplifying good intentions around the globe http://www.amplifield.com/ . I also thought I would share some of my little "light holder" pendants on the website. I usually only offer them in the summer gallery, but it just felt right to put them out there as a reminder to shine and spread a little light where we can. I hope seeing them brings a smile. xo sue  

"Let it go", "Shake it off" and get ready to "Celebrate the Creative Spirit Within Us All" in 2015!

  As the galleries sleep, the artists are cozy and warm in their studios creating beautiful works of art and fine craft for the coming season. As much as I love hibernation, I am looking forward to spring on Beaver Island and seeing all the familiar faces I've grown to love over the 23 years since my first migration there.

  If you have your brand, spanking new 2015 calendar sitting next to you, here's a date for you to save -

     August 1, 2015, 12 pm - 4:30 pm, Livingstone Studio's "Meet The Artist's Show and Sale".

  Lots of art, fine crafts and friendly artists outside of the galleries (which will be filled to overflowing with every enticing item I can find!) There will be wonderful refreshments, music and perfect weather ;-). I will be sharing more in the months to come, with lots of sneak peeks along the way.

   I'm wishing you all a healthy, happy New Year full of everything your heart desires, and I hope our paths cross in the year ahead. xo Sue

(photo taken by Laura Reid 2/10/14)  

Carrying happiness with me..another migration

Carrying happiness with me as I migrate to Illinois after another great summer on Beaver Island. Some felt we missed summer completely because of the cool weather, but the cool weather was part of the reason it was a great summer in my opinion. The galleries were busy, but not so busy I couldn't find time to chat with my wonderful customers or find time to have a glass of wine with friends in the chairs outside the gallery at the end of the day. We had a record breaking number of mosquitoes on the island, but they weren't too bad on the harbor, and many people came into town to walk their dogs or themselves for that reason. I'm grateful in a multitude of ways for the summer, for all the help and support from my friends, and this new piece just feels like it represents the gentle, happy flow back to my other life..carrying the happy memories with me. I'm choosing to forget the 3 1/2 hour bumper to bumper traffic jam I got caught in on my way back....and the fact that it started raining as my windshield wiper motor failed and I was running on empty with few options to exit! I white knuckled it home this time...just making me all the more grateful to be here at all! As the leaves and temperatures fall, and the hours of light grow short, I'm hoping to be a frequent visitor here and update the website with beautiful new items..... I'll share soon! Thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Inspiration is everywhere...

Inspiration is everywhere! Yesterday as I was holding my head upside down, drying my hair, I found myself gazing at this colorful textile table cover in the studio (yes I was drying my hair in the studio because that's where I left the hair dryer ;-)).  I saw an owl in this geometric pattern, but the final painting came out very different from the image in my brain. I love that about painting, or working in the studio in general..I never know where the muse will lead me, or what the outcome will be. It was one of those days that turn into night in the blink of an eye. I'm not sure this piece is finished..feel free to add feedback, I love to hear what other's feel, and being the hermit I am, I don't get much feedback unless it's on line from my flickr page or if I post it on my facebook page. The one thing I notice is....I SEE BIRDS IN EVERYTHING, don't I?! That's okay with me, I hope it is with you too. Whether you are cruising around the internet or at a Super Bowl party, thanks for stopping by! xo sue    

textile as inspiration

Inspired owl painting..finished? 

In deep hibernation...

I'm in deep hibernation this winter, happily watching the snow fall as I work without temptation to leave the house. I finished two little pieces that were started late last spring. This piece is called "The peak of summer", and it feels like that point of the summer season where everything is at it's fullest, brightest and most energetic. It doesn't last that long in northern Michigan, so we savor every moment. Whether you are in a nice warm spot on the planet, or with me in the "cave" I hope you're warm and cozy, enjoying the beauty around you! Thanks for stopping by! xo sue  

"The peak of summer" Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio

"The peak of summer" Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio

"Final Rays" Angel from Earth Angel Series

"Final Rays" Angel from Earth Angel Series, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Inspired by the beauty in the final rays of sun before it sets on these short winter days, and the last glimmer of life sometimes witnessed before loved ones cross over. This series is about nature's eternal flow, and our connection to it. Even at times when we feel there is no progress or forward movement, there is always an undeniable energy moving us on. I'm letting the muse guide me on these pieces, and I'm excited to see what comes next! Thanks for taking time to look. If you are interested in purchasing something you see here, please check my Etsy shop or the gallery website.http://www.livingstonestudio.com

"Snowy" owls cont.

"Snowy" owl livingstonestudio.com, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

People with Owl Totem are…
•Perceptive
•Intuitive
•Creative Dreamers
•Mysterious
•Quiet
•Great Listeners
•Wise Counsels

Finishing up a few more owls this week..just wanted to share. I think I like the hand painted eyes a bit more than the "sparkly" eyes..what do you think?

Stay safe and warm...xo sue

"Snowy" owls ;-)

"snowy" owls pair, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Our first snow and lack of sun inspired these two brightly painted owls. These (and a few more) are heading to the website tonight. They will have hooks on the back and can be used as ornaments or wall hangings.

Feeling grateful to be in the studio again, and for SO MUCH more! Happy Thanksgiving! xo sue

Via Flickr:
hand sculpted paper clay ornaments or wall hangings SueThomson/livingstonestudio.com

season change

season change, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

Working on some pen and ink drawings right now. I have been making copies and hand coloring them to see if I come up with one I would like to make into a painting at some point. I'm missing the sun already..that may be why it seems to be hiding in this piece. I am very grateful to have these brief hours of light to sit at the drawing board and see what the muse sends my way. I will post the second version of this as soon as I get it done. I would love feedback if you feel like leaving it! Hope you are finding time to do things you love.
xo sue

Via Flickr:
hand colored print (from pen and ink original) by sue thomson/livingstone studio

Artist Beth Scully at Dennos Museum Show Oct. 12 - Jan. 5th

Art of the Sleeping Bear Dunes: Transforming Nature into Art

Our very own Beth Scully was selected to contribute one of her beautiful paintings to this show! She is also in the book which will be available at the show. Congratulations Beth, your work is amazing and so are you!  Check it out here http://www.dennosmuseum.org/exhibitions/future/sleeping-bear.html