Seven eager participants in Tommy Thompson’s oil painting workshop gathered on a shady back porch overlooking Leiper’s Creek in Leiper’s Fork, TN, on July 14, 2011. He conducted his one-day oil workshop for the budding artists who hailed from Florence, AL; Brentwood, Columbia, Madison, and Nashville, TN; and Keswick, VA. While emphasizing values, Thompson also covered composition, aerial perspective, color temperature, and edges. In a landscape painting, he demonstrated oil painting and gave individual instruction and critiques of participants‘ work. Each of the participants received a notebook containing information on such topics as color harmony, composition, focal point, values, temperature, edges, technique, and many other tips and painting aids.
Some of the participating artists expressed their views of Thompson’s workshop in these ways:
“What a beautiful way to spend a day! Sitting on a backporch at Leipers Fork, TN watching Tommy Thompson demonstrate painting and having Marie Thompson as the perfect hostess with cold, cold water and anything to make our day better. Thank you both for making the day both a learning experience and a "friend making" experience. Tommy's demonstration in the morning and his help in the afternoon with each student's painting gave all of us so many tips. Not many artists are willing to share their "secrets." but Tommy shared them all--what a wonderful way to help growing artists. Thanks again for making my day and helping me grow.”--Linda Mashburn Allen, Brentwood, TN
“I recently had the privilege of attending a workshop conducted by Tommy Thompson in Leiper’s Fork, TN. I was hesitant to sign up, as I had not painted or spent any time at all on artistic endeavors since graduating from college over twenty years ago. I didn’t want to impose upon a serious artist like Mr. Thompson by taking up his time. I have to say that it was a life-changing experience, and the most fun I have had in years. Mr. Thompson’s generosity of spirit and willingness to share his secrets make him a treasure. He enabled me to feel confident enough to pick up a paintbrush and start creating again. He and his wife Marie made us feel like part of the family—we were sad to leave at the end of the day, but they packed us off with goodies, including a notebook filled with valuable painting tips. Thank you, Tommy and Marie, for a wonderful inspiring experience!”--Judy Beasley, Nashville, TN
“Thanks so much for the wonderful workshop! I have been to many in the past but never one quite like the one Tommy presented. The personal attention, generous sharing of supplies, providing us easels and the goody bag with the book was all above and beyond anything I have ever experienced before. I am now a devotee and will be looking for more workshops to attend. Please consider coming to VA! You two are the BEST!”--Liz Crocker, Keswick, VA
“Because I think you should support your hometown fellow artists, I went to Tommy Thompson's one-day workshop at Leiper's Fork, TN. I was pleasantly surprised that Tommy gave us so many jewels of information. He has studied with some of the best instructors nation-wide. He quoted them and explained their methods...holding back nothing. Marie was professional in her supporting role with beautifully prepared materials.”--Ginnie Higginbotham, Florence, AL
