livingstonestudioartblog

Lost in the right direction...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 23:38:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:11:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 20:32:00 +0000

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...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 18:38:00 +0000

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...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:40:00 +0000

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

"Final Rays" Angel from Earth Angel Series

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 19:57:00 +0000

"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.

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:39:00 +0000

"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 ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:50:00 +0000

"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

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 20:29:00 +0000

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

Gratitude, the after glow of a perfect day...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 14:13:00 +0000

If you make a 'thank you' list, there is a top and a bottom...but my list is inclusive and every person on it was a divine piece of the puzzle that made our 20th anniversary and 'Meet the artists' a perfect celebration. I couldn't anticipate the out pouring of help and participation..before, during and after the event. To my beautiful loving friends, artists (including musicians), customers, visitors or passers by..I am so grateful to you all for coming and acknowledging the talent of our gallery artists and artisans, and sharing the magic of this day with us. I am so blessed to have you in my life...for a moment, a season or many years...you know who you are! xo sue

20th Anniversary and Meet the Artists show and sale

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 23:45:00 +0000

livingstone-2013, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

The count down has begun! Only a few days away from our 20th anniversary celebration and "Meet the Artists" show and sale. Meet and mingle with Livingstone Studio's local and regional artists (who will be displaying and offering their wares for sale). Browse our buildings full of art, fine craft and fair trade clothing and jewelry. Enjoy refreshments while listening to the music provided by Styder Croswhite, followed by the Baroque Brass Quintet. Some of the artists joining us this year include Tom Richards (pottery), Cindy Ricksgers (collage, paintings), Karen Golhardt (dichroic and other glass work and jewelry), Beth Scully (oil paintings), Doris Larson (Collage, painting, quilts), Lars Larson (fine wood turned bowls and vessels), Ruth Kelly (pottery), Nancy Peterson (lampworked glass), John Johnson, (raku), Larissa McGinnity (photography and pottery), Margaret Hogeboom (ceramic tiles), Cyndy Hunting (fabulous hand knit scarves), Mary Burris (wire wrapped beach glass jewelry and home accessories), Abby Fogarty (paintings and floor cloths), Taffy Raphael (photography) , Gerald Duffy (art cards), Jane Early (neckware), and more! I hope you will be able to come out and share this special day with us...it's hard to believe we have been "Celebrating the creative spirit " for 20 years! I feel so fortunate to know the people who show their work in the galleries, and I am eternally grateful to Ellen Hill for allowing me to turn the cabins into galleries 20 years ago. Her love for the cabins ran deep, and she wanted them to be seen by more than weekly renters. She was so supportive of what I was doing, and I sold the jewelry she created for many years. Although she has been gone for over two years now, I remember her smile and I can still hear her wicked little laugh. There was no one like her, and all who knew her well miss her dearly. Twenty years Ellen..can you believe it? I know you will be here with us on the 27th! xo sue

Via Flickr:
The countdown has begun!

We Are All One

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:27:00 +0000

We Are All One ..Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

A young woman at Michael's suggested inktense pencils to me the last time they had a 50% off sale...so much fun, I just had to share! The photo is a little on the gray side, but you get the idea. Thanks for stopping by..hope your week is warm and wonderful! xo sue

Via Flickr:
Inktense pencils on bristol board

Alice's Menagerie

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Alice's Menagerie, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I thought I'd share this colorful piece with you before it heads to it's new owner. It is feeling more like winter than spring here, but there are signs that it's coming, and I know we are all looking forward to a little color. Hope this brings a smile as we head into the weekend.
Thanks for taking time to look...please comment if you feel like it! xo sue

Spring and Pink Elephants

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:46:00 +0000

"Pink Elephant" Sue Thomson/livingstonestudio.com, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

As we are on the edge of our first spring thunderstorm here in Illinois, the colors of this painting mirror the return of birds, flowers, and longer hours of daylight. It feels whimsical and hopeful to me. Thanks for taking time to look, and enjoy your weekend, what ever the weather...xo sue

8" x 10" x 2" acrylic on birch box frame

Scattering Stars Like Dust...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:42:00 +0000

scatteringstarslikedust/Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio/2013, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.
Rumi

A woman of few words these days..how can you follow Rumi? xo Sue

Owl stones..

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:05:00 +0000

Owl stones..Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I saw my first robin today, but it has been owls, owls, owls in the studio. These are tiny...1.5" to 2.5", but lots of love went into their creation and painting. They make me smile..hope they bring you one too. They are heading to the website. Thanks for visiting! xo sue

Faces...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:30:00 +0000

I've been working hard (playing hard is more like it) in the studio this week. I'm sorting through my Beaver Island stones...drawing on some, sculpting with paper clay on others. This time of year I seem to experiment and push the edges a little more. I have always loved wood block prints, and this little sculpture has that feel to me. I can't quite pin point the expression..can you? Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by! xo sue

Stone as inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 22:06:00 +0000

Stone/paperclay Sue Thomson, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

I found a box of unfinished pieces this week, so I'm having fun seeing where the muse is taking them..this one was a surprise. I'd love to hear what you think... Have a great weekend! xo sue

Via Flickr:
Paper clay, acrylics, colored pencil and pen on stone

A Blissful Reunion...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 19:43:00 +0000

A blissful reunion /Sue Thomson, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

As my dear friend and 'other' mother figure Jane crossed over this week, I painted. Since she always encouraged me in any creative project, and I couldn't be by her side, I felt very close to her as I worked. I watched several small works on paper take shape, and a few more are close to completion. I know she is looking over my shoulder smiling..since she sees everything perfectly now. I'm sure her mother, beloved pets and loved ones were waiting to meet her for a blissful reunion...xo sue

Via Flickr:
Acrylic and ink on bristol board by Sue Thomson

Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:43:00 +0000

The shape always makes me think of love, and I love working with the shape. Thinking of those ready to cross into the light, and those that already have..I will miss you until we meet again. xo sue

Begin Again...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:52:00 +0000

Serenity...

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:31:00 +0000

Some new friends, a photo by livingstonestudio on Flickr.

It has taken me a while to settle back into my "winter" life and get back to work in the studio. I've been busy and happy, with the work of organizing my space, getting back into the pattern of daily meditation and trying my best to accept the shorter days. This week these characters came through, but the photo is taken in the late afternoon, and the light is not it's best. It has been so long since I made an entry on the blog, I decided to post the photo anyway. I will be adding them to the shop on the website tonight or tomorrow. I wish you all a serene and happy weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by..xo sue

Via Flickr:
Serenity Stones by Sue Thomson/Livingstone Studio 2012

Peacock #1

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:43:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (livingstone) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

"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