Sue Thompson
ARTIST STATEMENT

“When I gave myself permission to become an artist, I realized my sense of self.
It makes me feel very connected to who I am.”

Artist Bio

“I’m going to take that painting class I’ve always wanted to take.” That simple decision marked the beginning of Sue Thompson’s artistic journey. A Southern California native, Sue moved to Laguna Beach in 1996 and enrolled in a local painting class, finally fulfilling her lifelong desire to create art. Immersed in the vibrant Laguna art community, she found inspiration, support, and a path to thrive as a painter.

Since 2001, Sue has been a proud exhibitor at the Sawdust Art Festival, continually evolving her skills and signature use of color and light. Her work captures emotion and memory, transforming personal photographs into vivid, lasting keepsakes.

Sue’s paintings are collected throughout Southern California, across the United States, and in Europe. Her work is part of permanent collections at Houston’s Restaurants in New York City and Corona del Mar, California. She has received local honors including the Sawdust Festival Apparel Design Award and the Laguna Beach Brush and Palette Award.