Ann Thompson, who is a Signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and a resident of Hiawassee, began oil painting in Germany more than 45 years ago. After traveling the world with her Air Force husband, raising a family and being a “Sunday painter” for many years, she returned to her mountain roots with a compelling desire to focus on her painting and grow as an artist.
Born in Hendersonville, NC, Ann began working in watercolor in 1993 to break away from “realistic depiction and minutiae”. She says she discovered that she wanted the “best of both worlds”. Thus her work is in a constant state of flux, focusing on exploration and experimentation with water media, and then returning to a more traditional piece in watercolor or oils.
Ann accepts commissions for pet portraits and other scenes in both oil and watercolor. She just completed her one hundredth painting of a customer’s beloved pet. Her goal in commission work is to ensure that the customer is completely satisfied with their painting.
For ten years, Ann attended week-long water media workshops in Hendersonville, NC, conducted by Signature members of the American and National Watercolor Societies. Her paintings have been included and have won awards in national exhibits sponsored by the Louisiana, Georgia, and Rhode Island Watercolor Societies and in local exhibits. She has been published in an “International Artist” series of “how-to” books, the Georgia Heritage Center's “Experience Art”, and was cover artist for the March 2006, Rabun's “Laurel”. Her work is presently available at ArtWorks, 232B Chatuge Way, Hiawassee, GA and The Murphy Art Center – Valley River Arts Guild, 33 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, NC.
“In my paintings, the process and artistic growth are just as important to me as the finished piece. Each time I begin a painting, I hope to create a “memorable” one that touches the viewer for more than a fleeting moment. For me, there are no limitations except for self.” - Ann Thompson, GWS