Canadian artist Gerry Thompson is often inspired by her own life when painting. Many times her pieces reflect the beauty of overlooked or floral subjects. Over the past few years, her primary focus has been large-scale paintings of peonies. “These have been my most joyous of all of my painting life. I find beauty in life itself, even in difficult times, and I just paint what inspires me,” she says. “There are no political or social messages. The viewers will make their own observations.”
Artist Gerry Thompson in her studio.
When finding subject matter, she often looks for something that tells a different story and has dramatic light and shadow. “It is why I prefer to photograph possible future paintings around midday on a sunny day. I often prefer a close-up, often magnified, view of the subject. I seem to go through phases as to what subjects appeal to me,” she says, adding, “But throughout all of my painting life, my greatest love has been florals from my everyday life, wherever they may be at the time.”
Infusion of Crimson, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36"
Beth, oil on canvas, 48 x 48"
Unless Thompson is working directly from life, her paintings are derived from the photographs she takes. They are done from several vantage points, and then when she finds the one she likes, it becomes a painting composition. Because of the number of photos, Thompson very rarely has to make any adjustments prior to painting; instead, arranging the composition was done with her camera.
Among Thompson’s newest paintings is Erin, a large-scale verical painting that measures 72 by 48 inches. “I placed this dramatic cluster of mixed peonies in a vase after purchasing them from a peony grower in our area,” Thompson explains.
Erin, oil on canvas, 72 x 48"
Peony Waltz, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 96"
“I loved the way the light gently swept across these gorgeous blooms.” Splendor is also in the vertical format, with the artist sharing, “I liked the dramatic impact caused by these colorful blooms against a plain, neutral background.”
Some of the flowers she paints are bold in color, such as the bouquet in Infusion of Crimson. “I discovered this seriously pink bouquet of flowers on the table setting of an appreciation dinner that
I attended,” she says. “I loved the way the luscious blooms were closely ‘stacked’ together.” Her work Chantilly Lace includes a lighter pink colored peony, but was inspired by the lacelike textures of the bloom. The plain background added to the simplicity and elegance of the composition.
Splendor, oil on canvas, 72 x 48"
Chantilly Lace, oil on canvas, 36 x 36"
“I have always loved to explore the inner workings of any subject that I painted. Throughout the years, I often heard artists say that they wanted to be ‘more painterly.’ I guess that meant that they wanted to be ‘looser’ and that they wanted to create an impression rather than be encumbered with all of the details. I totally understand that point of view,” Thompson explains, “but, for me, I want to relive every minute detail of that special moment in time. Although the commercial art industry styles [have changed] since the day that I picked up a brush, I have not wavered in my own passion for detail.” —
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