Afternoon Serenity

After a rather treacherous journey over many boulders and slipping over rocks down into a gorge next to Noccalula Falls, I selected a view of the Gorge to paint because of the unusual rock formations and the sounds created by the crashing of the water over boulders.

It is incredible to see what God created here--it seems that an invisible hand placed individual rocks in carefully constructed layers to create a beautiful setting for all to see, to capture on canvas and appreciate. The solitude of the scene is only interrupted by the rhythm of the ripples and crashes of the water falling constantly downstream. An occasional bird entertained me and my wife Marie with its own favorite tune.

I painted this oil original while participating in the Southeastern Plein Air Festival, conducted by the Gadsden Museum of Art in Gadsden, Alabama.

Tommy Thompson--"Cloverdale Rolling Meadow"

It has often been said that there are diamonds right under our noses if we will only look and observe closely. We have discovered a "diamond" near Cloverdale, Alabama--this meadow is located on a farm that has turned out to be a painter's paradise, with a masterpiece-in-the-making at almost every turn. I painted a field study of this meadow onsite while young deer played hide-and-seek with me. Back in the studio, I used the small field study and reference digital photographs displayed on my computer screen to produce this larger piece. Drawing on my observation of the work of the famous wildlife artist, the late Lanford Monroe , I employed her technique of obscurely inserting wildlife into landscapes. I discreetly placed two of the playful deer in this piece. This 18" x 24" oil on canvas painting sells for $1,295.00 and can be purchased at this link.

Tommy Thompson--"Morning at Rock Spring"

"Morning at Rock Spring" was painted one fall morning when my wife and I traveled to this pretty location a few miles from our home in Florence, Alabama. Rock Spring is a spot on the Natchez Trace Parkway; this particular spot is known for the multitude of ruby-throated hummingbirds that gravitate to the spring each fall. Many people in the area visit Rock Spring to view these beautiful birds. I liked the play of lights and shadows on the spring. The 8" x 10" oil painting can be purchased for $320.00 at this link.