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Tommy Thompson Fine Art
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Latest News from Tommy Thompson Art
"Swinging Over the Harpeth" 24 x 36 inch Oil on Canvas by Tommy Thompson
"Local Mystery Surrounding Masterful Painting Solved"
by Nancy Stephens, tennessean.com June 17, 2010
A casual outing with friends recently turned into a real masterpiece for some Fairview area residents.
A few years ago, a group of Fairview friends decided to adventure a little further across Williamson County and enjoy a summer day along the banks of the Harpeth River.
Enjoying a drive along the Harpeth, an artist captured their adventure on film and returned to his studio to create a painting of THE youthful scene.
The artist was Tommy Thompson, who painted "Swinging Over the Harpeth" after observing the youth celebrating the summer months on a rope swing along the Harpeth River off Old Natchez Trace Road west of Franklin.
According to Thompson, the scene and setting captured his artistic eye, as the activity is a great summer pastime in the South.
In turn, Thompson’s painting inspired by the yothful adventure captured the eye of Belmont University's Leu Gallery, who selected "Swinging Over the Harpeth" for its special exhibition called "Saving Paradise" running now through August 5.
Thompson thought it was only appropriate to try and locate the youth and inform them of the painting’s success and local exhibition.
Only knowing that the youth were from Fairview, he contacted Fairview’s hometown newspaper, The Fairview Observer, in May and with a little detective work by the local editor the mystery was solved.
Fairiew’s Chad Fewell, Kristin Brison and Chase Conner are the young lady and two young men captured forever in a masterpiece.
In the December 2009 Fine Art Views Competition, "Swinging over the Harpeth" was selected by Nancy Guzik, acclaimed painter and wife of Richard Schmid, internationally famous Master Painter, as one of her favorite paintings. The painting was also ranked in the top 15% in a field of more than 500 paintings.
"Swinging Over the Harpeth" is an oil painting on canvas that has been priced to sell at $2,400.
To learn more about the Belmont Exhibition called "Saving Paradise" and the recognition the painting received in a national art competition conducted by Fine Art Views, you can visithttp://tommythompsonart.com/works/373251/swinging-over-the-harpeth.
Anyone interested in purchasing a less expensive giclée of "Swinging Over the Harpeth," a high quality ink-jet print, can contact the artist Tommy Thompson, of Florence, AL, 256-767-0422 or they can also emailtommy@tommythompsonart.com
To see more of Tommy Thompson’s art, you can visit tommythompson.com.
You're Invited to Laurel Leaf Gallery's Memorial Day Celebration,
Saturday, May 29 in Leiper's Fork, TN
As a special highlight of the Memorial Day celebration, Laurel Leaf Gallery's featured fine artist, Tommy Thompson, will be unveiling his latest oil painting, a 4 foot by 5 foot original called "Vinal Haven Island, Maine." Thompson and his artist friend, George Walker, visited Vinal Haven Island, a few years ago while they were staying on North Haven Island, Maine, during a plein air painting trip. The two artists biked across neighboring Vinal Haven Island and took photos of various scenes to paint later. Vinal Haven Island is one of Maine's most beautiful islands with a community of working lobster fishermen, representing Maine's largest lobster boat fleet. Located 12 miles off the coast of Maine, Vinal Haven is a working island of striking natural beauty. The thriving community of 1,200 greets thousands more people from around the world who are captivated by this extraordinary place.
Bethany Reiser, owner of Laurel Leaf Gallery, invites everyone to check out the new artistic creations during the Memorial Day Celebration from 10 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The gallery is located in Suite 5 of the Leiper's Fork Galleria building at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road in Leiper's Fork. Besides Bethany's beautiful hand-crafted jewelry and elegant stained glass objects, many more unusual hand-made creations await the gallery's visitors.
The gallery's summer hours are: Wednesday, 12 to 5; Thursday through Saturday, 10 to 5, and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. Reserve your spot and learn the art of creating lead-free stained glass now by calling 615-861-0569 or emailing Bethany at laurelleafgallery@gmail.com Be sure to check out her website at http://www.laurelleafgallery.com
"Saving Paradise" Exhibition Begins June 1, Extending to August 5
The exhibition called "Saving Paradise" conducted by the Leu Gallery of Belmont University in Nashville, TN, begins on June 1 and runs through August 5, 2010. The reception will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 PM in the Bunch Library at Belmont. Of 35 entries, fourteen Chestnut Group artists were juried into this exhibition; the accepted artists include Joel Knapp,Tommy Thompson, Haden Pickel, Jean Dortch, Kim Barrick, Bill Brison, Jean Gauld-Jaeger, Shirley Fachilla, Mitch Mann, Brenda Morley, Calvin Shiver, Ann Blair Brown, Lori Putnam, and Dawn Whitelaw. Ms. Victoria Boone was the juror/curator for the exhibition. Belmont is located at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville. Tommy Thompson's paintings that are included in this show are: Southern Light, Swinging over the Harpeth, Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park, Blue Heron on Radnor Lake, and Reflections on Radnor.
Tommy's Tip for Beginning Artists
"As I squinted looking toward the house across the street from my house one day, I noticed that when the sun was shining on the black roof it appeared lighter than the white carport in shadow," Thompson says. "I had always known that a white piece of paper appeared black in a dark room, but I had never thought that black in bright sunlight would appear to be a light gray. A painter must always keep this in mind because your mind tells you that white is white and black is black. In this case, to produce a good painting, you have to paint what you see rather than what you know. Notice the mat-board device that I made to demonstrate the wide range of values that I observed between sunlight and shadow. I use this device in talks presented to art groups. If other artists would like to use this demonstration in their art talks, they can receive a high-resolution image to use in their hand-outs by emailing me at tommy@tommythompsonart.com ." Be sure to check out Tommy's blog at www.tommythompsonart.com/blog
News Release
Belmont University’s “Saving Paradise” Art Exhibition Takes on New Meaning
May 11, 2010, Nashville, TN--In the wake of Tennessee’s 2010 flood, the “Saving Paradise” art exhibition to be conducted by Belmont’s Leu Gallery during June 1--August 5, 2010, takes on new meaning. The fine art exhibition of pristine Tennessee landscapes reminds us of our awesome responsibility to preserve the extraordinary environment that is Tennessee. So that future generations can enjoy the benefits of Tennessee’s natural resources, it is imperative that we take care of the land today. A famous quote by an unknown author reminds us of this obligation: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Ms. Victoria Boone, juror/curator of the “Saving Paradise” exhibition, selected fourteen artists from a field of 35 entrants. The Exhibition’s opening reception will occur on Wednesday, June 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity of meeting the artists and discussing with them the inspiration for their artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will benefit Belmont’s Leu Gallery.
Tommy Thompson is privileged to have five of his Tennessee landscape oil paintings in Belmont’s exceptional exhibition. Included in the exhibit will be these Tommy Thompson originals: “Southern Light,” “Swinging Over the Harpeth,” “Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park,” “Reflections of Radnor,” and “Blue Heron on Radnor.”
Although Thompson was a commercial artist for more than 30 years, his painting career took off at a Scottsdale Artist’s School workshop in Old Lyme, CT, in 2002, where he painted with some of the nation’s premier oil painters including Ned Mueller, Kevin Macpherson, Kenn Backhaus, Ken Auster, Matt Smith, Frank LaLumia, and John Budicin. Travels to Arizona, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, as well as Canada and Europe, have afforded the artist a wide array of subject matter. But the artist’s favorite place to paint has always been the Nashville,TN, area. Many of Thompson’s oil originals have featured scenes that depict the area’s horse farms, rivers, creeks, hills and valleys.
One of Thompson’s paintings, “Swinging Over the Harpeth,” gained the attention of nationally renowned painter, Nancy Guzik, the judge for the Fine Art Views Competition in December 2009, when she placed Thompson’s work in her favorite 15% out of more than 500 entries. “Swinging Over the Harpeth” depicts a scene near Leiper’s Fork, TN, off Old Natchez Trace Road; in the oil original young people can be seen jumping into the Harpeth from a rope swing--a popular summertime activity. “When I saw these teenagers on the rope swing one day, it brought back memories of my youth,” Thompson says. “I knew that I had to paint this for the story it tells.”
Another of Thompson’s paintings, “Southern Light” was inspired early one morning when the artist and his wife were driving down a dusty country road near Bethel, TN. “When we saw a horseman who reminded us of a character out of Lonesome Dove, complete with a long ponytail tied back with a bandana, we could hardly believe our luck in encountering this model for my next painting,” Thompson says. “The lighting was absolutely perfect, and the rider could not have been more cooperative as he directed his horse up and down the creek at my bidding, while I captured the images digitally.”
When Thompson painted “Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park,” he was spellbound by the spectacular autumn-colored reflections in the waters of the Harpeth. “I was fortunate in that the light was perfect,” Thompson says. “This park, located off Hillsboro Road in Franklin, TN, affords artists a close-up view of the Harpeth from a canoe launch.”
“Blue Heron on Radnor Lake” and “Reflections of Radnor” are two of Thompson’s paintings resulting from his many trips to one of his favorite painting venues--Radnor Lake. He and his family enjoy visiting Radnor because of its many walking trails, birds, wildlife, waterfowl, and the experience of painting there.
Don’t forget to visit the Belmont Exhibition at Leu Gallery. To see more of Thompson’s paintings, please check out his web site at www.tommythompsonart.com
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Tommy Thompson's April 2010 Newsletter
"Preserving Bell's Bend
20" x 24" Oil on Canvas
by Tommy Thompson
Eric Rhoads on the Power of Art
In the April 2010 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur, the magazine’s chairman and publisher writes about art’s “Power to Motivate.” Rhoads says that he believes that art is an enormously powerful communicator. He thinks that it will surely be our fine art that tells future generations who we were and what we believed. The roles that collectors and commissioners of new work will help shape this legacy. Rhoads thinks that art is more often a reflection of how the artist sees the world and how he or she wants us to see it. He says that "when a work speaks to you, it is surely doing its job." Painter Tommy Thompson sees his purpose as creating artwork that connects with people as it did one day when a lady told him, "I could not get your painting off my mind; I even dreamed about it." The artist hopes that his paintings add a sense of peace and serenity to the lives of his collectors and commissioners.
Nashville’s Belmont University Prepares for “Saving Paradise” Exhibition
The exhibition called “Saving Paradise” conducted by the Leu Gallery of Belmont University is slated for June 1 through August 5, 2010. The reception will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 PM in the Bunch Library at Belmont. Of 35 Chestnut Group entrants, fourteen artists were juried into this exhibition; the accepted artists include Joel Knapp,Tommy Thompson, Haden Pickel, Jean Dortch, Kim Barrick, Bill Brison, Jean Gauld-Jaeger, Shirley Fachilla, Mitch Mann, Brenda Morley, Calvin Shiver, Ann Blair Brown, and Dawn Whitelaw. Ms. Victoria Boone is the juror/curator for the exhibition. Belmont is located at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville.
Tommy Thompson is pleased that five of his paintings of Tennessee landscapes were selected for this excellent exhibition. These paintings include “Swinging over the Harpeth," "Blue Heron on Radnor Lake," “Reflections of Radnor," "Southern Light," and “Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park."
New Gallery in Leiper’s Fork Selects Tommy Thompson as Its Fine Artist to Represent Exclusively
Bethany Reiser, owner of Laurel Leaf Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, TN, has selected Tommy Thompson as the only fine artist that her gallery will represent because his original oils reflect the natural environment that says “Leiper’s Fork Country.” Reiser, an artist in her own right, creates beautiful fine jewelry from natural gemstones, and her stained glass creations are also works of art. The Gallery will also offer custom murals and other creative gems.
Reiser has set May 1, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the Open House for her new gallery, which is located in Suite 5 of the Leiper’s Fork Galleria Building at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road. If you miss the Open House, you can visit the Gallery, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Although Thompson was a commercial artist for more than 30 years, his painting career was jump-started at a Scottsdale Artist’s School workshop in Old Lyme, CT, in 2002, when he painted with some of the nation’s premier oil painters including Ned Mueller, Kevin Macpherson, Kenn Backhaus, Ken Auster, Matt Smith, Frank LaLumia, and John Budicin. Travels to Arizona, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, as well as Canada and Europe, have afforded the artist a wide array of subject matter. But the artist’s favorite place to paint has always been Leiper’s Fork, TN. Many of Thompson’s oil originals have featured scenes that depict the area’s horse farms, creeks, hills and valleys around Leiper’s Fork. In fact, one of his paintings, “Swinging Over the Harpeth," gained the attention of nationally renowned painter, Nancy Guzik, judge for the Fine Art Views Competition in December 2009, when she placed Thompson’s work in her favorite 15% category out of more than 500 entries. “Swinging Over the Harpeth” depicts a scene near Leiper’s Fork, off Old Natchez Trace Road; in the oil original young people can be seen jumping into the Harpeth from a rope swing--a popular summertime activity. Thompson’s 48x48 inch oil called “Painted Trail," which depicts a scene near Old Lynnville, TN, was juried into the Energen Corporation’s “2010 Wonders of Alabama Art Exhibition.” When the artist and his wife encountered the large hemlock trees in this scene with branches overhanging the path, forming a canopy, they were drawn into the scene, and the artist felt compelled to paint it. This spectacular painting would make a stunning statement in any setting.
When you arrive at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road, watch for the red geraniums and colorful balloons beckoning visitors to the second-floor Laurel Leaf Gallery. You will be pleasantly surprised at the artistic creations waiting inside.
Tommy Thompson Art Now Displayed in Lexington, KY
We are excited about the opportunity of being represented in Lexington, KY, by our very good friend, Lisa Warmels, at her LaGrie’s Gallery. Ms. Warmels is now exhibiting for sale Thompson’s oil paintings, especially his landscapes that include horses, at the prestigious Rolex exhibition, which is the only four-star three-day equine event in the Americas, taking place in Lexington in late April. Thanks to Warmels, Tommy Thompson’s equine oil paintings will also be exhibited during the World Equestrian Games 2010, representing the largest equine sporting event ever held in the United States. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10, 2010, this will be the first time that the event will be held outside Europe.
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Tommy Thompson's
April 2010
Newsletter
"Preserving Bell's Bend
20" x 24" Oil on Canvas
by Tommy Thompson
Eric Rhoads on the Power of Art
In the April 2010 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur, the magazine’s chairman and publisher writes about art’s “Power to Motivate.” Rhoads says that he believes that art is an enormously powerful communicator. He thinks that it will surely be our fine art that tells future generations who we were and what we believed. The roles that collectors and commissioners of new work will help shape this legacy. Rhoads thinks that art is more often a reflection of how the artist sees the world and how he or she wants us to see it. He says that "when a work speaks to you, it is surely doing its job." Painter Tommy Thompson sees his purpose as creating artwork that connects with people as it did one day when a lady told him, "I could not get your painting off my mind; I even dreamed about it." The artist hopes that his paintings add a sense of peace and serenity to the lives of his collectors and commissioners.
Nashville’s Belmont University Prepares for “Saving Paradise” Exhibition
The exhibition called “Saving Paradise” conducted by the Leu Gallery of Belmont University is slated for June 1 through August 5, 2010. The reception will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 PM in the Bunch Library at Belmont. Of 35 Chestnut Group entrants, fourteen artists were juried into this exhibition; the accepted artists include Joel Knapp,Tommy Thompson, Haden Pickel, Jean Dortch, Kim Barrick, Bill Brison, Lori Putman, Jean Gauld-Jaeger, Shirley Fachilla, Mitch Mann, Brenda Morley, Calvin Shiver, Ann Blair Brown, and Dawn Whitelaw. Ms. Victoria Boone is the juror/curator for the exhibition. Belmont is located at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville.
Tommy Thompson is pleased that five of his paintings of Tennessee landscapes were selected for this excellent exhibition. These paintings include “Swinging over the Harpeth," "Blue Heron on Radnor Lake," “Reflections of Radnor," "Southern Light," and “Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park."
New Gallery in Leiper’s Fork Selects Tommy Thompson as Its Fine Artist to Represent Exclusively
Bethany Reiser, owner of Laurel Leaf Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, TN, has selected Tommy Thompson as the only fine artist that her gallery will represent because his original oils reflect the natural environment that says “Leiper’s Fork Country.” Reiser, an artist in her own right, creates beautiful fine jewelry from natural gemstones, and her stained glass creations are also works of art. The Gallery will also offer custom murals and other creative gems.
Reiser has set May 1, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the Open House for her new gallery, which is located in Suite 5 of the Leiper’s Fork Galleria Building at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road. If you miss the Open House, you can visit the Gallery, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Although Thompson was a commercial artist for more than 30 years, his painting career was jump-started at a Scottsdale Artist’s School workshop in Old Lyme, CT, in 2002, when he painted with some of the nation’s premier oil painters including Ned Mueller, Kevin Macpherson, Kenn Backhaus, Ken Auster, Matt Smith, Frank LaLumia, and John Budicin. Travels to Arizona, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, as well as Canada and Europe, have afforded the artist a wide array of subject matter. But the artist’s favorite place to paint has always been Leiper’s Fork, TN. Many of Thompson’s oil originals have featured scenes that depict the area’s horse farms, creeks, hills and valleys around Leiper’s Fork. In fact, one of his paintings, “Swinging Over the Harpeth," gained the attention of nationally renowned painter, Nancy Guzik, judge for the Fine Art Views Competition in December 2009, when she placed Thompson’s work in her favorite 15% category out of more than 500 entries. “Swinging Over the Harpeth” depicts a scene near Leiper’s Fork, off Old Natchez Trace Road; in the oil original young people can be seen jumping into the Harpeth from a rope swing--a popular summertime activity. Thompson’s 48x48 inch oil called “Painted Trail," which depicts a scene near Old Lynnville, TN, was juried into the Energen Corporation’s “2010 Wonders of Alabama Art Exhibition.” When the artist and his wife encountered the large hemlock trees in this scene with branches overhanging the path, forming a canopy, they were drawn into the scene, and the artist felt compelled to paint it. This spectacular painting would make a stunning statement in any setting.
When you arrive at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road, watch for the red geraniums and colorful balloons beckoning visitors to the second-floor Laurel Leaf Gallery. You will be pleasantly surprised at the artistic creations waiting inside.
Tommy Thompson Art Now Displayed in Lexington, KY
We are excited about the opportunity of being represented in Lexington, KY, by our very good friend, Lisa Warmels, at her LaGrie’s Gallery. Ms. Warmels is now exhibiting for sale Thompson’s oil paintings, especially his landscapes that include horses, at the prestigious Rolex exhibition, which is the only four-star three-day equine event in the Americas, taking place in Lexington in late April. Thanks to Warmels, Tommy Thompson’s equine oil paintings will also be exhibited during the World Equestrian Games 2010, representing the largest equine sporting event ever held in the United States. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10, 2010, this will be the first time that the event will be held outside Europe.
Tommy Thompson's
April 2010
Newsletter
"Preserving Bell's Bend
20" x 24" Oil on Canvas
by Tommy Thompson
Eric Rhoads on the Power of Art
In the April 2010 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur, the magazine’s chairman and publisher writes about art’s “Power to Motivate.” Rhoads says that he believes that art is an enormously powerful communicator. He thinks that it will surely be our fine art that tells future generations who we were and what we believed. The roles that collectors and commissioners of new work will help shape this legacy. Rhoads thinks that art is more often a reflection of how the artist sees the world and how he or she wants us to see it. He says that "when a work speaks to you, it is surely doing its job." Painter Tommy Thompson sees his purpose as creating artwork that connects with people as it did one day when a lady told him, "I could not get your painting off my mind; I even dreamed about it." The artist hopes that his paintings add a sense of peace and serenity to the lives of his collectors and commissioners.
Nashville’s Belmont University Prepares for “Saving Paradise” Exhibition
The exhibition called “Saving Paradise” conducted by the Leu Gallery of Belmont University is slated for June 1 through August 5, 2010. The reception will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 PM in the Bunch Library at Belmont. Of 35 Chestnut Group entrants, fourteen artists were juried into this exhibition; the accepted artists include Joel Knapp,Tommy Thompson, Haden Pickel, Jean Dortch, Kim Barrick, Bill Brison, Lori Putman, Jean Gauld-Jaeger, Shirley Fachilla, Mitch Mann, Brenda Morley, Calvin Shiver, Ann Blair Brown, and Dawn Whitelaw. Ms. Victoria Boone is the juror/curator for the exhibition. Belmont is located at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville.
Tommy Thompson is pleased that five of his paintings of Tennessee landscapes were selected for this excellent exhibition. These paintings include “Swinging over the Harpeth," "Blue Heron on Radnor Lake," “Reflections of Radnor," "Southern Light," and “Harpeth at Fulton Greer Park."
New Gallery in Leiper’s Fork Selects Tommy Thompson as Its Fine Artist to Represent Exclusively
Bethany Reiser, owner of Laurel Leaf Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, TN, has selected Tommy Thompson as the only fine artist that her gallery will represent because his original oils reflect the natural environment that says “Leiper’s Fork Country.” Reiser, an artist in her own right, creates beautiful fine jewelry from natural gemstones, and her stained glass creations are also works of art. The Gallery will also offer custom murals and other creative gems.
Reiser has set May 1, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the Open House for her new gallery, which is located in Suite 5 of the Leiper’s Fork Galleria Building at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road. If you miss the Open House, you can visit the Gallery, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Although Thompson was a commercial artist for more than 30 years, his painting career was jump-started at a Scottsdale Artist’s School workshop in Old Lyme, CT, in 2002, when he painted with some of the nation’s premier oil painters including Ned Mueller, Kevin Macpherson, Kenn Backhaus, Ken Auster, Matt Smith, Frank LaLumia, and John Budicin. Travels to Arizona, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, as well as Canada and Europe, have afforded the artist a wide array of subject matter. But the artist’s favorite place to paint has always been Leiper’s Fork, TN. Many of Thompson’s oil originals have featured scenes that depict the area’s horse farms, creeks, hills and valleys around Leiper’s Fork. In fact, one of his paintings, “Swinging Over the Harpeth," gained the attention of nationally renowned painter, Nancy Guzik, judge for the Fine Art Views Competition in December 2009, when she placed Thompson’s work in her favorite 15% category out of more than 500 entries. “Swinging Over the Harpeth” depicts a scene near Leiper’s Fork, off Old Natchez Trace Road; in the oil original young people can be seen jumping into the Harpeth from a rope swing--a popular summertime activity. Thompson’s 48x48 inch oil called “Painted Trail," which depicts a scene near Old Lynnville, TN, was juried into the Energen Corporation’s “2010 Wonders of Alabama Art Exhibition.” When the artist and his wife encountered the large hemlock trees in this scene with branches overhanging the path, forming a canopy, they were drawn into the scene, and the artist felt compelled to paint it. This spectacular painting would make a stunning statement in any setting.
When you arrive at 4208 Old Hillsboro Road, watch for the red geraniums and colorful balloons beckoning visitors to the second-floor Laurel Leaf Gallery. You will be pleasantly surprised at the artistic creations waiting inside.
Tommy Thompson Art Now Displayed in Lexington, KY
We are excited about the opportunity of being represented in Lexington, KY, by our very good friend, Lisa Warmels, at her LaGrie’s Gallery. Ms. Warmels is now exhibiting for sale Thompson’s oil paintings, especially his landscapes that include horses, at the prestigious Rolex exhibition, which is the only four-star three-day equine event in the Americas, taking place in Lexington in late April. Thanks to Warmels, Tommy Thompson’s equine oil paintings will also be exhibited during the World Equestrian Games 2010, representing the largest equine sporting event ever held in the United States. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10, 2010, this will be the first time that the event will be held outside Europe.
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Tommy Thompson's
March 2010 Newsletter
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Belmont University’s Exhibition, “Saving Paradise,” Moves Ahead
A special exhibition called "Saving Paradise" conducted by the Leu Gallery of Belmont University has been moved up to June 1 through August 5, 2010. The reception will be held Wednesday, June 9, from 4 to 6 PM in the Brunch Library at Belmont. Of 35 entries, thirteen artists were juried into this exhibition; the accepted artists include Joel Knapp,Tommy Thompson, Haden Pickel, Jean Dortch, Kim Barrick, Bill Brison, Lori Putman, Jean Gauld-Jaeger, Shirley Fachilla, Mitch Mann, Brenda Morley, Calvin Shiver, Ann Blair Brown, and Dawn Whitelaw. Ms. Victoria Boone is the juror/curator for the exhibition. Belmont is located at 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville; its web site is www.belmont.edu Tommy Thompson is working every day to create paintings for this outstanding exhibition.
Energen Corporation's Annual "Wonders of Alabama Art" Exhibition/Competition Opens March 29, 2010
Tommy Thompson's 48" x 48" oil painting titled "Painted Trail" has been juried into the Energen Corporation's 11th Annual Art Competition/Exhibition called "Wonders of Alabama Art." The exhibition will be on display during March 29 to April 11, 2010 at the Energen Plaza, 605 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd, North, Birmingham, AL. Energen conducts the largest juried art competition/exhibition in the state of Alabama. The closing reception will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Energen Plaza Conference Center. Energen offers an excellent venue for collectors to purchase fine art.
Painting DVDs Available For Rent Through SmartFlix.com
Recently we learned of a less expensive way to view painting videos by renting DVDs through www.smartflix.com. Viewers are allowed to view the DVDs for a week for a nominal price, which is more reasonable than purchasing expensive videos.
Chestnut Group to Offer Potpourri of Workshops to the Public
After April 1, 2010, the Chestnut Group plans to open a potpourri of mini painting workshops to the public. These workshops are being conducted by some of Nashville’s top artists. To learn more about the Chestnut Group, check out the web site at www.chestnutgroup.org More information about these workshops will be disseminated via this newsletter and www.tommythompsonart.com/blog
Tommy’s Tip for Beginning Artists
We are starting a new feature of the newsletter with this issue--tips for beginning painters. Because beginning painters have recently consulted us for our advice on various painting topics, we decided to add this feature to the newsletter. Tommy’s tip of this month concerns varnish. “Oil paintings can be sprayed with Kamar Varnish, which dries in 15 minutes and can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. The spray works like a retouch varnish, evening out the sheen of the finish and keeping the painting from looking flat. Because the spray dries very quickly, the painting can be shipped soon after completion. In his book, Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting, renowned artist, John F. Carlson, says that if you varnish an oil painting within a month, the varnish becomes a part of the paint and the paint will not crack. If you don't varnish within a month, you need to wait 6 months for thin paint and 1 year for thick paint. Because the first coat of varnish becomes a part of the painting surface, it is not considered a protective coat because it becomes a part of the original painting. To provide a protective coat, I coat my paintings with a second application of Damar varnish, which will not fuse with the original paint. If there is a fire in the client’s home or if the painting gets splattered with paint, the final coating of varnish can be removed without damaging the painting.”
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Tommy Thompson's
February 2010 Newsletter
" 48" x 48"
Oil on Canvas by Tommy Thompson
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Tommy Thompson Art Accepted to 2010 Energen Corporation Art Competition
Tommy Thompson’s 48” x 48” oil painting titled “Painted Trail” has been juried into the Energen Corporation’s 11th Annual Art Exhibition. The exhibition will be on display during March 29 to April 10, 2010 at the Energen Plaza, 605 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd, North, Birmingham, AL. Energen conducts the largest juried art competition/exhibition in the state of Alabama.
Tommy Thompson Juried Into “Saving Paradise” Exhibition to be Conducted by Leu Art Gallery, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Leu Art Gallery of Belmont University,1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN, recently notified Tommy Thompson that his artwork has been accepted for their special exhibition, "Saving Paradise" slated for September 1, 2010, through December 2, 2010. Thompson and twelve other artists have been juried into this 3-month-long exhibition. The opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Brunch Library. Belmont University was selected as the site of one of the 2008 Presidential Debates.
Father/Daughter Artistic Team Honored with Reception at Belle Meade Plantation Art Gallery
Michelle Rideout and Tommy Thompson
(Photo courtesy bagwell macy advertising/pr)
The father/daughter artistic team of Tommy Thompson and Michelle Rideout was honored with an opening reception to mark the beginning of their exhibition of oils and pastels at Belle Meade Plantation Art Gallery on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Ms. Joanne Hostettler-Floyd and her staff did an exceptional job of organizing the reception featuring "Wines for Valentine's" from West Meade Wine and Liquor Mart and hors d'oeuvres from Belle Restaurant. A delightful evening of art, wine, and food was enjoyed by all.
Tommy Thompson Art to be Represented by New Lexington, KY Venue
We are excited about the opportunity of being represented in Lexington, KY, by our very good friend, Lisa Warmels at LaGrie’s Fine English Saddlery, (www.lagriesenglishsaddlery.com), 4422 Bryan Station Road, Lexington, KY 40516-9629, opening March 15, 2010. Ms. Warmels will be exhibiting for sale Thompson’s oil paintings, especially his landscapes that include horses.
We met Lisa and Arnold Warmels several years ago when they lived in Leiper’s Fork, TN. Arnold, who is originally from the Netherlands, is a master horse trainer; see evidence of his expertise at http://www.paintingponies.com. Fryslân Valley Sport Horses, Lexington, Ky, is a Dutch-owned and operated facility that believes in preserving the 130-year-old heritage of the Dutch Friesian to the standards encouraged by the Royal Dutch Friesian Association.
Merry Christmas from Tommy Thompson Art
December 2009
"Windy Hill Farm"
by Tommy Thompson
8x10 Oil on Canvas
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Brentwood Academy's Fine Art in Brentwood Show and Sale: A Successful Endeavor
The Fine Art in Brentwood (TN) Show and Sale at Brentwood Academy proved to be a resounding success for Tommy Thompson Art. We had an unbelievable response at the show at Brentwood Academy, 219 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN, December 4-6, 2009. This was our most successful art show ever, ranking in the top sales. The Brentwood Academy organizers did a spectacular job of conducting the show. The experience proved to be very enjoyable as well as profitable for us. Among the artwork that we sold were the following large paintings: Lake Louise, A Summer Place in Maine, Horses of the Tetons, Dream Acres, plus other smaller paintings.
Tommy Thompson and Michelle Rideout to be Featured in a Father/Daughter Exhibition of Oils and Pastels
Tommy Thompson and Michelle Rideout have been invited to show their artwork at Belle Meade Plantation's Art Gallery. The painting duo will present a Father/Daughter Exhibition of Oils and Pastels at Belle Meade Plantation Art Gallery, 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN, during February 1-28, 2010. We invite all of our friends and collectors to visit this special exhibition. A portion of the proceeds benefits Belle Meade Plantation. Watch for more details regarding the reception. Thompson's painting of "Belle Meade Mansion" is now hanging in Belle Restaurant at Belle Meade Plantation; the framed 24x36 original oil and 16x20 framed giclees can be purchased in Belle Meade's Gallery Gift Shop.
"A River" Exhibition by Gallery One of Nashville, TN Continues Through January 16
Gallery One, 5133 Harding Road, Nashville, selected Tommy Thompson as one of the featured artists in a new exhibition called "A River." The paintings in that special exhibition will be displayed until January 16. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Harpeth River Watershed Association.
New Paintings Now at All About Art Gallery in Hendersonville, TN
We invite our Nashville/Hendersonville area collectors to check out our new paintings at All About Art Gallery, 260 W. Main Street, Suite 209, in Hendersonville, TN. Tom and Geri Moore will be happy to help you select a small or larger painting to be that special gift for yourself or someone else. They have several small and mini paintings that will fit into anyone's stocking.
Our Daughter, Michelle Rideout, Now Has a Web Site
Our daughter, Michelle Rideout, now has a web site at http://www.fineartstudioonline.com/MichelleRideout. Michelle works in oils and pastels. We invite all of our friends and collectors to check out her site. She is represented by Loblolly Gallery in Columbia, TN; Ellen Calvin will be pleased to show Michelle's work to you.
Giclees Available for Four Tommy Thompson Paintings
Fine Art Views (Newsletter of Fine Art Studio Online), San Antonio, TX, October 23, 2009
"Note Cards as a Marketing Tool"
by Tommy Thompson
This post is by guest author, Tommy Thompson. This article has been edited and published with the author's permission. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.
Using Note Cards as a Marketing Tool
Artists can endear themselves to their collectors and promote their
artwork at the same time by giving the purchasers of their artwork a
token of appreciation. One way that I do this is to give my collectors
five note cards featuring their recently purchased painting on the
cover of the cards. I provide the note cards to those who buy a 16 x
20 inch or larger painting. My collectors appreciate receiving these
note cards, which they can then use to send notes, invitations, or
thank-you's to their friends and others. These cards are saved as
templates and copy/photos are changed as needed. I've included
instructions for designing the note cards for my horizontal and
vertical paintings below:
Note Cards for Horizontal Paintings
Using Photoshop Elements, I open a 300-dpi, vertical page. I then drag
onto that page the painting image that I have saved as 300 dpi, 6
inches wide and rotated 180 degrees (upside down). About one-half inch
below the photo, I type the following information:
"Tennessee Hillside Horses"
Note Cards for Vertical Paintings
For vertical paintings, I open a 300-dpi, horizontal page in Photoshop
Elements. I then drag onto that page the painting image that I have
saved as 300 dpi and 6 inches tall, but I do not rotate this one. The
sample copy above is placed to the left of the image at the bottom of
the card. This card is then folded flush with the left side of the
image and trimmed borderless.
I print the note cards on 8.5 x 11 inch, 67# white vellum cover, fold
them flush with the top of the image, and trim them borderless to fit
in envelopes purchased at an office supply store. After the card is
folded, the text will appear on the back of the card. I enclose the
note cards and envelopes in a plastic sleeve and ship them to the
collector in a bubble mailer.
To see sample note cards, both horizontal and vertical, click here:
http://tinyurl.com/mohrwb
I am always sure to include a handwritten "Thank You" to the collector
written on an extra note card.
In
addition, I also save the jpeg file of the note card image on a CD and
mail that, along with the five note cards and envelopes to the
collector; giving them permission to print more cards as they wish.
A
great benefit to providing these note cards for collectors is that I
feel I gain greater exposure for my artwork every time my collectors
send out these cards. Additionally, when my collectors print more note
cards at their own expense, I reap the benefits without the added
expense of printing and postage.
Saying
"Thank You" to collectors can first appear to be a minor gesture;
however, it can make an artist stand out from the crowd. In an age of
electronic messaging, taking the time to send personal messages to your
collectors can reap big rewards.
(Slated for publication on the web magazine, www.thejudgeschoice.com)
Tommy
Thompson
Horses in Oil
Landscapes
Web Site: www.tommythompsonart.com
Phone: 256-767-0422
E-Mail: tommy@tommythompsonart.com
"Horses in Oil for Horse Lovers"
Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, Tommy Thompson
found riding horses to be a natural thing to do. He grew up riding horses on his
family's farm. In fact, horses became one of his favorite ways of traveling,
whether on hunting excursions with his Uncle Frank or just to ride through the
woods and up and down small streams.
Today these beautiful creatures have wandered into many of
Thompson's oil landscape paintings. After almost a 30-year career as an
illustrator, Thompson now pursues with passion a life as a plein air painter.
The painter's life has opened up many doors for the artist. After retiring a few
years ago, Thompson and his wife Marie traveled throughout New England on a
painting trip. First, in Narragansett, Rhode Island, the adventurous pair
painted with Mimi Sammis, who now has a
PBS painting show called "Love to Paint with Mimi." Next, they painted on North
Haven Island, off the coast at Rockland, Maine, where they camped out at a
friend's beach cottage. Venturing on to Vermont, they plein air painted while
spending a week at another friend's ski cabin. Further down the state they
watched as the renowned Richard Schmid demonstrated his unique skills at oil
portraiture.
Wherever Thompson travels, he is always on the lookout for
horses to record with his digital camera and later to translate into oil. He
ventures down winding country roads looking for the play of light and shadows on
tranquil pastoral landscapes and beautiful horses. The painter especially loves
to paint in the horse country around Leiper's Fork, Tennessee. Leiper's Fork is
home to a multitude of Nashville's well-known musicians, many of whom are horse
lovers. The pristine area is known for its green rolling hills and beautiful
horse farms outlined with neat black fences.
Thompson has received commissions to paint oil landscapes
populated with horses for Tennessee collectors. Some Nashville art connoisseurs
have purchased multiple horse paintings by Thompson.
To see more of Thompson's artwork or to arrange a
commissioned painting, contact him at www.tommythompsonart.com or by email at
tommy@tommythompsonart.com
Tommy Thompson Art Featured in Horses in Art Magazine
 "Cold Ride," 20" x 24," Oil by Tommy Thompson
The Winter 2008 issue of the California-based magazine, Horses in Art, contains an article entitled "Peaceful Images in Oil," featuring the artwork of Tommy Thompson; see pages 18-19 of the magazine that is available in all major bookstores in the United States and Canada. To read the article go to http://www.horsesinart.com and click on "current issue." You can also access the article at http://tommythompsonart.blogspot.com . Thompson's paintings featured in the article include "Cold Ride," "Horses of the Tetons," and "Grazing at Dawn." A photograph of the artist painting on location at a Franklin farm was contributed by Nashville photographer, Anthony Scarlati (http://www.scarlati.net). To subscribe to the magazine, visit http://www.horsesinart.com or call 619-441-8519.
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We are pleased that Mimi Sammis is the first collector of the pastels of our daughter, Michelle Rideout.
("Strawberries and Cream," Pastel, by Michelle Rideout)
______________________________
Featured Artist on Painter's Keys
Robert Genn, Canadian artist and author of the popular e-newsletter, Painter's Keys, selected Tommy Thompson as the featured artist for his July 29, 2008, issue. Genn's international art newsletter (www.painterskeys.com) is distributed to every state in the U.S.A., every province of Canada, and at least 115 countries worldwide. He chose Thompson's painting, "Horses of the Tetons," to feature along with the artist's biodata.
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SouthwestArt.com Features Thompson's Artwork
The October 2008 issue of Southwest Art includes Thompson's painting, "Horses of the Tetons." In addition, the magazine's web site spotlights his bio and 27 images of his paintings at www.southwestart.com.
American Art Collector Magazine Highlights Tommy Thompson Art
The October 2008 issue of the magazine, American Art Collector, includes an article entitled "The Oil Painters of America: In Pursuit of Excellence," which highlights Tommy Thompson's paintings on pages 122-125.
Hills and Hamlets Feature Story on Thompson's Work
 (Photo by Anthony Scarlati, www.scarlati.net)
Becky Bauer has written an excellent feature on Tommy Thompson's artwork for the October 2008 issue of the Leiper's Fork magazine, Hills and Hamlets. The photography was done by Nashville photographer, Anthony Scarlati. (Click on this link to read the full article: http://www.tommythompsonartcom/blog). To subscribe to the magazine, call 615-790-9036 or log onto www.hillsnhamlets.com. Becky Bauer is a gifted songwriter from Franklin, TN, poet and horse woman, whose interests include graphic and web design, as well as contributor to Hills and Hamlets. Anthony Scarlati is a photographer extraordinaire. Scarlati's published photo credits include numerous entertainment, equine and special interest publications along with fashion layouts and editorial portraits spanning across all genres of music. Scarlati has photographed many of Nashville's music industry greats such as Naomi Judd, Brooks and Dunn, Michael McDonald, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. Log onto his web site at www.scarlati.net to see samples of this talented artist's work.
Reproduced with permission of Hills and Hamlets, Leiper's Fork, TN (www.hillsnhamlets.com)
" Tommy Thompson Art Brought to Light"
By BECKY BAUER
Photograph by Anthony Scarlati
On a warm, sunny morning this past August, I had the pleasure of a visit from artist Tommy Thompson and his wife Marie at my farm in Franklin. The rural property was the backdrop for photos with the artist as well as subject for his canvas. Reaching the back field, Tommy pulled out his easel and set up under a shade tree facing the adjoining pastureland. He took in the scenery and watched two horses, who had greeted him earlier with a curious hello before going back to their grazing. As the camera quietly captured the man in his realm, the sun shined down brightly on the grass and threw a spotlight on the canvas. Tommy proceeded to brush on colorful oils that transpired to an illuminating painting of horses in landscape.
Residents of Florence, Alabama, the Thompsons make frequent visits to Middle Tennessee to market his paintings, as well as to visit family in Brentwood. The couple can be found driving country roads looking for the subject of his next painting. Tommy is habitual about wanting to see what’s around the bend or over the hill. While finding these spontaneous spots of inspiration, they have discovered new places and many friends throughout the U.S. and abroad. After 30 years as an architectural and commercial artist, Tommy turned his focus to oil painting in 2002. His paintings are traditional landscapes in oil with subjects including horses, children, pets and architecture.
Painting is an everyday part of this artist’s life, a continuous labor of love and effort for improvement. “I haven’t talked to an artist that hasn’t felt they have arrived yet; they are constantly developing their style,” claims Thompson. And, he adds, “You have to work at it every day, never stop painting.”
While he continues to master his technique, the painter will admit to a noticeable, but not bothersome tremble in his hand. Sometimes he can’t control where the brush is going, but when he looks at what he has done he thinks, “I couldn’t have done that if I tried.” A small blessing in disguise you could say.
With the help of Marie, Tommy Thompson Art continues to fill the walls of homes and offices nationwide. Credentials include studying under top oil painters like Kevin Macpherson, Richard Schmid and Jason Saunders. The artist’s work has been shown in solo exhibitions and featured in numerous publications like Southwest Art and Nashville Arts magazines. FineArtViews.com ranks Thompson No. 33 out of 2,000 artists.
“One thing that has had more affect on my success is my wife, none of this would have happened without her. There would be a lot more great artists if they had a Marie,” affirms Tommy.
It is clear, as I watched him paint that day, Tommy Thompson has the passion and skill to create beautiful artwork. What he began on a small canvas while standing in the pasture turned into an exquisite piece of art that now hangs on my wall and I catch myself gazing at it every day. Visit www.tommythompsonart.com to view Thompson’s work. He can be reached at 256.767.0422 or by email, tommy@tommythompsonart.com
Becky Bauer lives in rural Williamson County. A gifted songwriter, poet and horse woman, with interests in graphic and Web site design, her many talents make her a multi-faceted contributor to Hills & Hamlets.
News Release
"Got One!" 24" x 20" Oil on Canvas by Tommy Thompson
Contact: Marie K. Thompson
Subject: Citi Smith Barney of Huntsville (AL) Honors Twelve North Alabama Artists with Reception and Show
Huntsville, AL, July 2, 2008--Everyone is invited to a "Salute to North Alabama Artists Reception and Show" on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m., conducted by Citi Smith Barney, 501 Madison Street, Huntsville, Alabama. Twelve of the area's finest artists will present their works for show and sale in the Huntsville Office of Smith Barney. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Make-a-Wish Foundation, Georgia and Alabama Chapter. Tommy Thompson is honored to be included in this group and looks forward to seeing many of his friends and collectors at the show. To view more of Thompson's work, log onto his web site at http://www.tommythompsonart.com
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission. A network of more than 25,000 volunteers enable the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants and in numerous other capacities.
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