Downtown Franklin, TN

After attending a reception in his honor at the Heirloom Shop on Main Street in Franklin, Tommy Thompson painted "Downtown Franklin, TN," an 11" x 14" oil on canvas panel. He was captivated by the diners at the sidewalk cafe outside SOL Restaurant. Downtown Franklin is a unique place filled with antique shops, quaint restaurants, gift shops, antebellum homes, bookstores, and icecream shops. It is the kind of place that people love to visit just to stroll the streets to find that one-of-a-kind piece of artwork or antique. The picturesque town dates back to the late-1700s. Franklin is a unique blend of history and progress--having small-town charm and big-city sophistication. To purchase the painting check it out on my web site at http://tommythompsonart.com/workszoom/200853

Sergei Bongart

Recently I received a message from Patricia Bongart, widow of the famous Russian impressionist, Sergei Bongart. Patricia's message was regarding an article, "Sergei Bongart: Notes on Painting," posted on the Internet by Norm Nason. According to Ms. Bongart, these notes are not sanctioned by sergeibongart.com and contain inaccurate information. She suggested that anyone interested in the Bongart method should consult http://www.sergeibongart.com/bongart_method.html to learn more about the master painter's technique. Ms. Bongart sent me a copy of the publication, Sergei Bongart: Touched by the Gods! I highly recommend this book to all painting enthusiasts and students; it is a fascinating read as you learn about the life of Bongart and his painting method. It is a real treasure trove of insightful information; the book is available through http://www.sergeibongart.com/. The artist and wife of Sergei Bongart, Patricia was selected for her talent and featured in the book, Masterworks of Impressionism. She has received major awards that include both national and regional honors. The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma City selected her for a television feature that includes her work and a demonstration. Her work is widely represented in collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Friesian Fantasia

(Arnold Warmels on Tomas)

Our good friends, Arnold and Lisa Warmels, of Fryslan Valley Sport Horses (see
http://www.fryslanvalley.com/ ) in Leiper's Fork, TN, invited us to attend the "Friesian Fantasia" on May 31 at the "Water's Edge Farm," owned by Drs. Samuel and Leslie Lynch. Lisa and Arnold did an incredible job of choreographing the entire production.

(Janis Oliver on Redondo)

We watched in amazement as the majestic Dutch horses performed in carriage, under saddle, and in hand. Dressed in magnificent costumes reminiscent of Dutch royalty, Arnold Warmels, Janis Oliver, and Keith and Suzy Johnson (of Shelbyville, TN), delighted the crowd as they guided their graceful horses through their paces.

(Keith and Suzy Johnson in carriage)

Besides the exhibition of beautiful Dutch Friesians, we were treated to music by "High Power," (as planned by Janis Oliver), a delicious barbecue meal catered by Jason Crockarell ("Flavor") of Franklin, and fellowship with many old and new friends. I look forward to sharing my impressions of the event in the form of many oil paintings in the future. Be sure to check out my web site soon to see some of these paintings at http://www.tommythompsonart.com/