Jackson Hole Rock of Ages

"Jackson Hole Rock of Ages" represents a departure from the usual subject matter and style of Tommy Thompson. Thompson painted this original oil using only a pallet knife, and it is characterized by a thick texture overall. The artist was drawn to the scene during a visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming while on a painting trip. Appearing along the side of a Wyoming mountain ridge, this lone tree seemed to be seeking refuge beside the massive rock, having withstood the ravages of a long winter. This painting reminds us of the Bob Segar song, "Against the Wind," and the words from that song, "I found myself seeking shelter against the wind." This lone tree seems to be seeking shelter against the wind just as sometimes human beings find themselves seeking shelter against all manner of trials and tribulations of life.

Hoback Road, Jackson Hole

While artist Tommy Thompson was enrolled in Scott Christensen's intensive 10-day workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he visited Hoback Junction several times. He found a National Forest sign entitled "John Hoback, Guide of Astorians," which recounted the history of Hoback Junction. "John Hoback, Jabob Reznor and Edward Robinson, trappers from Kentucky, in 1811 guided the Astorian Land Expedition under Wilson Price Hunt across the northern part of present-day Wyoming to the Snake River. From this junction of the Snake and Hoback Rivers, the Hunt group passed through Jackson Hole, over Teton Pass and on to Henry's Fort in Idaho. In this area, Hoback and companions were detached from the expedition to trap beaver. The following summer the eastbound Astorians led by Robert Stuart, met them in the wilderness, starving and destitute, having been robbed by the Indians. They were given clothing and equipment and continued hunting and trapping until the winter of 1813 when they were killed by the Indians. The River here was named by Wilson Price Hunt for his guide." Hoback Road, depicted in Thompson's painting, runs alongside Hoback River.

Seeing the World Through the Eyes of a Painter

Seeing the World Through a Painter's Eyes:
Tommy Thompson's May 2007 Newsletter



"Society as a whole attempts to persuade us not to consider an independent creative lifestyle as a wise choice. Nevertheless, I guarantee that whatever your chosen field, art will enrich your life." --Kevin Macpherson


Dreaming of the Canadian Rockies

The excitement is building in our studio. "En Plein Air Masters Chateau des Arts Mentoring Workshop" at Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies with one of our nation's foremost representational painters, Kevin Macpherson, and his artist wife Wanda is only 2-1/2 months away, and we can hardly wait. Early mornings find us outside enjoying nature and painting en plein air--preparing for this valuable experience with a master painter. Our car trips are punctuated with oral reading (by Marie) of Kevin's insightful new book, Landscape Painting: Inside & Out. Many breaks from the hot Alabama sun find us reviewing his excellent new video, "Brush with Life." This chance of a lifetime to paint with an artist of Kevin's calibre motivates us to prepare diligently.

Seeing the World Through a Painter's Eyes: Tommy Thompson, Featured Artist, Palladio Group Design Centers, July 1-31, 2007

Mindy Roberts, owner of Palladio Group Design Centers, 2169 Central Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, has announced that I will be the featured artist at Palladio with a month-long exhibition during July 2007. A trip to Palladio transports a visitor back to the Old World with its beautiful artwork, European antiques, and mouth-watering gourmet treats of the Cafe de France, located in the heart of the Center. Palladio is situated in the heart of Memphis' art/design district. This exhibition will feature some of my most recent work. Headlining the event, I will be doing a plein air demo to celebrate the grand opening of Palladio's Memphis Waterworks and my July exhibition.

"Hooray! Hooray! The First of May: Outdoor Painting Starts Today"--Robert Genn

According to Canadian artist Robert Genn, May 1 heralds the beginning of outdoor painting for the year. We began the month by painting at Aldridge Gardens in Birmingham, Alabama, at the invitation of the Alabama Plein Air Painters. Welcoming us to the Gardens were Mr. Larry Quick, Executive Director, and Ms. Beverly Bates, Communications Coordinator. Aldridge Gardens is known for its numerous varieties of hydrangeas. May 1 proved to be a memorable beginning to plein air painting in Alabama because of the beauty and hospitality of Aldridge Gardens.

Portrait Society of America Convenes at Reston, Virginia

My wife Marie and I enjoyed meeting many portrait artists at the Portrait Society of America (PSA) meeting in Reston, Virginia, during May 3-5. We were privileged to observe the exceptional skill of such portrait artists as Michael Shane Neal, assisted by Dawn Whitelaw; Scott Burdick; Everett Raymond Kinstler; Jason Bouldin; and Margaret Baumgaertner. Artist/collector Richard Rhodes of Brentwood, Tennessee, entertained the Portrait Society faculty and his artist friends with a party. Richard and I have taken oil painting workshops together and have enjoyed plein air painting around the Nashville area. At the party, we enjoyed seeing many friends including Michael Shane Neal, Dawn Whitelaw, Scott Burdick, and others. We also had the pleasure of making new friendships with other portrait artists, including David Beynon Pena of New York City (Several years ago David painted a portrait of the late Senator Howell Heflin of Tuscumbia, Alabama); Ms. Dolores Vestrich of Falls Church, VA; and Johnnie Liliedahl and her husband Ralph of La Porte, Texas. We were pleased to have good friend and fellow artist, George Walker of Severna Park, Maryland, as our guest at the PSA banquet.

Because of the influence of Michael Shane Neal and Dawn Whitelaw, I will never abandon my pursuit of oil portraiture. These master portrait artists have had a profound impact on my life, and I hone my skills in portraiture often and hope to one day devote even more time to that interest area.

Capturing the Colors of Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Canvas

May 10 proved to be another inspiring day for us. At the invitation of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Alabama Plein Air Painters, I painted the "Hill Garden Lily Pond." Observers of the paint-out were members of "Leadership Birmingham," part of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Fred Spicer, Director of the Gardens, welcomed us. We had the pleasure of meeting other members of the Alabama Plein Air Painters, including Nancy Harper of Huntsville and Ken and Elma Schablow of Childersburg, Alabama. Talented students from the Alabama School of Fine Arts offered a pleasant diversion. A string quartet from the school serenaded the crowd while two drama students performed excerpts from Shakespeare--Chelsie Miller as Phoebe from "As You Like It" and Jonathan Mclernan as Arial from "The Tempest."

Painting May Poppies at the Mays' Garden

May 12 found us painting poppies in the garden of Diane and Frank May of Nashville, Tennessee. The garden is beautiful, and the hospitality of the Mays is inviting. Other members of the Chestnut Group joined in the fun, including Cynthia Crook, Claudia Williams, Calvin Shiver, Frank May, and others.

Symphony in Oil

On Mother's Day, May 13, 2007, I decided to do something totally different--painting en plein air while the Nashville Symphony entertained in Crockett Park in Brentwood, Tennessee. This attracted many curious onlookers since they had never observed anything quite like this, but all agreed that plein air painting added a nice ambience to the afternoon. Stay tuned for a peek at the studio version of this painting.

Feature in Greater Nashville House, Home and Garden Magazine

Thanks to interior designer, Tanna Miller, for including my painting, "Flat Creek at Jackson Hole," as an illustration in her article in the May/June 2007 issue of Greater Nashville House, Home, and Garden Magazine.

In Appreciation of Our Galleries

Many thanks are conveyed to all of our galleries, including Palladio. Congratulations also to Brooke Robinson for marking the 17th Anniversary of Local Color Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee. This record is one to be celebrated. Best wishes for many more anniversaries to Brooke and her able assistant and former owner, Ron York. At Savage Gallery excitement is also in the air as they prepare for their grand opening in a new location on Old Hillsboro Road in Franklin, Tennessee. Willis-Gray Gallery in Decatur, Alabama, will be celebrating its 4th anniversary on June 21, and we will be participating in that special day. Village Fine Art Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently reported that two of my originals will be installed in the new wing of St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville in June.

Robert Genn's Twice-Weekly Newsletter

We enjoy Canadian artist Robert Genn's Twice-Weekly Newsletter so much that we encourage anyone interested in art to subscribe to his delightful newsletter. To subscribe to the free newsletter, click on http://www.painterskeys.com.

Fine Art Views by Clint Watson

Clint Watson, computer software/internet guru and former co-owner of a national art gallery in San Antonio, Texas, is offering a free newsletter to anyone interested in art. If you would like to subscribe to this informative newsletter, please click on http://www.fineartviews.com. Then click on the "Join" link. Clint also offers an outstanding website service for artists that is very easy to manage and update (http://www.fineartstudioonline.com).

Mystery Painting Mission

A few days ago, I announced to Marie that early the next morning, I was going to take her on a mystery painting mission. After packing the car with my Open Box M, other painting supplies, cold water, and snacks, we headed out shortly after 6 a.m. Passing one of our favorite spots, Rock Spring on the Natchez Trace Parkway, she began to wonder what our destination was. Crossing the Tennessee River near the Colbert Ferry, she became even more curious. We turned toward Buzzard Roost Springs and then toward Iuka, Mississippi, on Highway 72. After crossing Big Bear Creek, we traveled onto County Road 172. Soon she learned that our intended destination was Eastport Beach on the banks of Pickwick Lake. We agreed that this is a painter's paradise with all of the patterns of light and shadows of its clapboard cottages, boathouses, and fishing boats on the water. White yucca plants lined the two-lane road leading to Gilligan's Restaurant and Grill. Cypress trees reflected in the water. The beautiful vistas of Pickwick Lake were breathtaking. Scenes along the bank reminded us of those we have seen on the coast of Maine. A flock of Canadian geese glided by on the water.

We soon settled on painting a pretty little cottage near the water. Two young girls, with their Mason fruit jars of cherry KoolAid, were fishing with their grandfather. They watched me paint until they puttered away in their aluminum boat to catch a kettle of brim. Then the only sounds we heard were the pecking of a woodpecker in the tree overhead and the occasional cooing of a dove. Our mystery painting mission turned out to be a fun adventure for both of us.

Symphony in Oil

On Mother's Day, May 13, 2007, Tommy Thompson decided to do something totally different. He painted en plein air while the Nashville Symphony entertained in Crockett Park in Brentwood, Tennessee. He attracted many curious onlookers since they had never observed anything quite like this, but all agreed the plein air painter added a nice ambience to the afternoon. Stay tuned for a glimpse of the final rendition of "Symphony in Oil."

Painting May Poppies at the Mays

May 12 found us painting poppies in the garden of Diane and Frank May of Nashville. The garden is beautiful, and the hospitality of the Mays is exceptional. Several members of the Chestnut Group joined in the fun, including Cynthia Crook, Claudia Williams, Calvin Shiver, and Frank May.

Richard Rhodes Entertains Portrait Society Faculty and Artist Friends

Artist/collector Richard Rhodes of Brentwood, Tennessee, entertained the Portrait Society Faculty and his artist friends during the meeting in Reston, Virginia. Richard and Tommy Thompson have taken oil painting workshops together, and they have enjoyed plein air painting around the Nashville area. At the party, we enjoyed seeing many friends including Michael Shane Neal, Dawn Whitelaw, Scott Burdick, and others. At the same time we had the pleasure of making new friendships with many other portrait artists, including David Beynon Pena of New York City (Several years ago David painted a portrait of the late Senator Howell Heflin of Tuscumbia, Alabama); Ms. Dolores Vestrich of Falls Church, VA; and Johnnie Liliedahl and her husband Ralph of La Porte, Texas.

Tommy Thompson Paints the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

May 10 proved to be an inspiring day for us. At the invitation of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Alabama Plein Air Painters, Tommy Thompson painted the "Hill Garden Lily Pond." Observers for the paint-out were members of "Leadership Birmingham," part of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Fred Spicer, Director of the Gardens, welcomed us to the Gardens. Other members of the Alabama Plein Air Painters that we had the pleasure of meeting included Nancy Harper of Huntsville and Ken and Elma Schablow of Childersburg, Alabama. A welcome treat for the day was provided by talented students from the Alabama School of Fine Arts. A string quartet from the school serenaded us while two drama students performed excerpts from Shakespeare--Chelsie Miller as Phoebe from "As You Like It" and Jonathan Mclernan as Arial from "The Tempest."

Portrait Society of America

Tommy Thompson and wife Marie enjoyed meeting many portrait artists at the Portrait Society of America meeting in Reston, Va, during May 3-5. They were inspired observing such portrait artists as Michael Shane Neal, assisted by Dawn Whitelaw; Scott Burdick; Everett Raymond Kinstler; Jason Bouldin; and Margaret Baumgaertner.

Hooray, Hooray, the First of May; Outdoor Painting Starts Today!

According to Canadian artist Robert Genn, May 1 heralds the beginning of outdoor painting for the year. Tommy Thompson began the month painting at Aldridge Gardens in Birmingham, at the invitation of the Alabama Plein Air Painters. Welcoming us to the Gardens were Mr. Larry Quick, Executive Director, and Ms. Beverly Bates, Communications Coordinator. Aldridge Gardens is known for its numerous varieties of hydrangeas. May 1 proved to be a very beautiful beginning to plein air painting in Alabama because of the beauty and hospitality of the Aldridge Gardens.

"Unwrapping the Gift"

"A painting is a window into another world and you don't try to match a window with anything." Paul Dorrell

Many times when people observe me painting on location, onlookers invariably say "God gave you a special gift." Yes, God did give me a gift, but he placed it on a mountain top because I have had to climb for a long time to reach it. I've passed through many valleys on the way up. Once you locate that gift, it requires many hours, perhaps years, of hard work to "unwrap the gift." In his book, Living the Artist's Life, Paul Dorrell, the highly successful gallery owner/author, says only five percent of artists can make a living by painting alone. They must rely primarily on their illustration and design ability or commercial art in order to survive. That has certainly been true of the road I have traveled.

But, every now and then you receive a message that makes it worth all the effort; that happened to me a few weeks ago. A comment that I received from Dean Dixon, a highly successful photographer from Nashville, follows: "Tommy, your web site looks great and works well. Your painting of our home in Germantown (Nashville) is one of my favorite things. The fact that you chose it to paint was flattering as we designed the house ourselves and you executed it perfectly. I like our neighborhood because every day here feels like a Sunday afternoon and that is what your painting feels like too. Good Luck in all things. You do beautiful work. Dean Dixon."

An interior designer from Washington, DC, recently selected two of my paintings for a new wing of St. Mary's Medical Center in Knoxville. A few weeks ago I received another message from an interior designer saying that she was planning to highlight my work in her next column in a Nashville magazine.

This month the Chestnut Group is sponsoring an art show, "Seeing Nashville Through Different Eyes," to benefit the Tennessee Art League (TAL). The show will feature urban landscapes and will run from April 24 through April 29 in the Ethel Smith Gallery at the TAL Building, 808 Broadway Avenue, Nashville. One of my paintings is an impressionistic 30" x 40" "Nashville Skyline." My three smaller ones include "Sing with the King," "Sidewalk Cafe," and "Beer Sellar." The show will feature the work of good friend Roger Dale Brown, a national award winner. The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.

My artwork will also be displayed at the Artist Market of Wesleyan School, 5405 Spalding Drive, Norcross, GA. The school's fabulous new Fine Arts Building is the setting for this show and sale, sponsored by the Arts Alliance during April 26-28. Shop for Mother's Day, birthdays, even Christmas, and of course for yourself. While you are browsing, enjoy entertainment from the Wesleyan family and the community. The hours are opening night, Thursday, April 26, 7-9 pm; Friday, April 27, 9 am - 9 pm; and Saturday, April 28, 9 am -4 pm. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the fine arts programming at Wesleyan.

Another venue for my art was added this month; Palladio Group Design Centers in Memphis is now exhibiting my work. Owner Mindy Roberts has already scheduled a one-man show of my work for the entire month of November 2007. The Palladio Group Centers are open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5. Nestled in the heart of Palladio is Cafe de France, a family-owned cafe of immense charm and warmth. As you dine on delicious homemade fare, you will delight in Palladio's unique Old World atmosphere surrounded by beautiful European antiques, fine art, and friendly faces.

My paintings, "Golfing on the Trail" and "Cloverdale Rolling Meadow," have been juried into the "Arts Alive" Gallery Show at the Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, Alabama. A gala for the artists and selected art patrons on May 19 headlines the show, which can be viewed during May 19-June 19.

During May 3-6, 2007, the Portrait Society of America will conduct the "Art of the Portrait" Conference in Washington, DC. We will be observing master portrait artists such as the renowned artist Everett Raymond Kinstler, painter of Presidential portraits; his protege Michael Shane Neal of Nashville; Scott Burdick of North Carolina; and Jason Bouldin of Oxford, Mississippi. On Sunday afternoon we will be visiting the recently reopened Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Our good friend, Jason Saunders of Leiper's Fork, TN, is featured in the Spring 2007 issue of American Artist Workshop. Jason is teaching landscape painting workshops at Leiper's Fork, TN, twice a year. For more information, check out his web site.

Another good artist friend, Roger Dale Brown of Nashville is teaching several workshops this year. He will conduct one workshop, "Urban and Landscape Focusing on Plein-Air on Location, Composition, and Values, in Richmond, VA, during September 20-23, 2007 (contact Tamara at 804-358-2771). Another workshop will focus on the rural landscape in Newnan, GA, during October 18-21, 2007 (contact milandy@charter.net). For more information about Roger's work, please check out his web site.

P.S. If you are one of the many who have been curious about the inspiration and the reason for the name of my painting, "Hot Lunch," please visit my blog.

Girl in the Courtyard

Tommy Thompson painted "Girl in the Courtyard" after visiting the Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga, TN. The District is very reminiscent of an Italian village, with its ornate iron gates, endless courtyards, balconies, archways, and art galleries. Visitors to the District are treated to a variety of foods, including Italian, American, etc. At the River Gallery shoppers discover an enchanting cacophony of bronze sculptures, majestic paintings, beautiful jewelry, intricate glasswork and countless other artistic creations.

Bluff View Courtyard

Tommy Thompson and his wife Marie enjoy visiting the Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga, TN. The District is located across the street from the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. The District offers a variety of opportunities to shop for original art, enjoy great food in a variety of cafes, or just relax with a cup of fresh brewed gourmet coffee in Rembrandt's Coffeehouse. The architecture of the district reminds one of an Italian village. There are numerous balconies, archways, ornate iron gates, and courtyards in the area. It is truly a memorable place.

"Nashville Skyline"

"Nashville Skyline," an impressionistic landscape painted by Tommy Thompson, captures the majestic beauty of the jewel of a city called Nashville. Thompson created the painting for an exhibition called "Seeing Nashville Through Different Eyes," at the Tennessee Art League during April 2007. Before Tommy Thompson painted this oil landscape, he and his wife captured this scene digitally early one morning while most of Nashville slept. The couple traveled over the city looking for just the right perch to capture the view they wanted. They found the perfect spot on a little knoll near an elementary school.

"Sidewalk Cafe"

This "Sidewalk Cafe" was very inviting to Tommy Thompson and his wife Marie when they visited Nashville as part of the Tennessee Art League's paintout and exhibition called "Seeing Nashville Through Different Eyes" during April 2007. Who says that Europe has cornered the market on sidewalk cafes? This one in downtown Nashville inspired the artist to paint a lovely impressionistic oil landscape, which proved to be one of his favorites.

"Sing With the King"

"Sing with the King" captures a scene in downtown Nashville. A replica of Elvis Presley beckons passersby to "sing with the king." Although artist Tommy Thompson and his wife Marie didn't accept the invitation, they did enjoy the King's music. This part of Nashville has a special attraction for the Thompsons since they grew up during Presley's generation and very near where the King was born. "Sing with the King" was part of the Tennessee Art League's exhibition, "Seeing Nashville Through Different Eyes."

"Beer Sellar"

"Beer Sellar" represents a little nook in downtown Nashville that caught the artist eye of Tommy Thompson. His wife Marie at first could not see what the artist saw in this almost nondescript building until she remembered a statement from Ned Mueller, whom they had met in Old Lyme, Connecticut, at a Scottsdale Artist School Workshop, conducted by the Plein Air Painters of America. Mueller cautioned the artists not to dismiss any seemingly insignficant object or part of an object as the subject of a painting. He said that they should consider painting a portion of a building or a window or doorway. The famed artist John Singer Sargent once said that everywhere he looked he could see a painting. "Beer Sellar" was one of Thompson's contributions to the Tennessee Art League's exhibition, "Seeing Nashville Through Different Eyes."

"Hot Lunch"

Tommy Thompson painted "Hot Lunch" primarily in memory of his mother, Eugenia. Eugenia loved her cows and even gave them pet names. She enjoyed going out to the pasture and calling "Sooooo Cow" to her favorite cows. She would talk "baby talk" to her cows because they were like her pets.

Many people have considered what the name of the painting means. Some have conjured up ideas of a "Hot Lunch" of steak, but what Thompson was really referring to is the "Hot Lunch" that the young calf has just had.

"Leisure Morning"

Horses figure very prominently in the background of artist Tommy Thompson. When he was a child growing up in rural Mississippi, he had a favorite horse named Liz. Many of Thompson's collectors tell him that they like his paintings of horses.

"Flat Creek in Jackson Hole, Wyoming"

"Flat Creek at Jackson Hole, Wyoming" is a painting that Thompson created after participating in an intensive oil painting workshop conducted by Scott Christensen. Thompson and his wife treasure their visit to this beautiful area of our country. This painting was selected by an interior designer from Washington, DC, for the new wing of St. Mary's Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.