Meet Sue Thompson | painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sue Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sue, why did you pursue a creative career?
A series of events and life changing decisions opened up an opportunity to redirect my life at the age of 45. I litereally had to start over and made the committment to do things differently. I finally took that “painting class” I always wanted to take. When I completed a somewhat simple painting I realized “oh, I’m an artist”….never with the intention of selling but just the satisfaction that after all the years of internal struggle, I realized my sense of self. The only way forward from that point was to pursue a creative life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started late in life to eventually become a professional artist. I always say the art was waiting for me. Because of that I bring different life experience to my work. My initial work reflected my work enviroinment …working in the Food and Beverage Industry. I painted chefs, restaurant interiors and servers. Years of experinece in that field was defined in my early work and it’s how I learned to paint. Paint what you know so to speak. I then had a unique opportunity of living in a community that has an annual summer art show that I have now exhibited in for 22 years. My work has moved away from those settings into more general figurative work that I originally pulled from my mom’s photo album era of the 40s 50s and 60s. I took my first painting class at 47 and never could have envisioned I would be where I am now. And all I did was take a class.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My world revolves around Laguna Beach Ca which is one of most beautiful places in the world. It is where I exhibit my art every summer at The Sawdust Art Festival. There are world class beaches, a walkable artist town, state beaches and hiking, music venues, concerts in the park, art galleries and 3 major art fesitvals. On any given day you can hop on a trolly and see some of the most pristine beaches in the world.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The support of women artists who mentored and guided me through a local city art class were the source of support, love and encouragement. Their experience and patience formed my confidence to continue as an artist. I never could be where I am today without the incredible opportunity to show and exhibit at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach. It was the springboard to my career. It is where I learned to be a working artist.

Website: suethompsonart.com

Facebook: Sue Thompson Art