NICKI THOMPSON FINE ART PORTRAITS AND ORIGINALS BLOG

Art Exhibit at The Loov

2008-04-28T09:18:00.003-04:00

"Cierra" - 20" by 16", Oil on Canvas

I'm happy to announce that I'll be a part of the First Annual Gallery Show entitled "Delightful", at the Loov in Rochester Michigan. They invited who they believe are some of the top local artists in South Eastern Michigan, so I'm honored to be included. The Show will kick off the Downtown Rochester Gallery Stroll on May 2, 2008, where you're invited to stroll through and visit the galleries, mingle with the artists, and enjoy the diverse works of art. This event is free and open to the public. Here's more information:

What: "Delightful"

When: May 2 - May 31, 2008

Where: THE LOOV - 433 Main St, Rochester, MI (between Green's Art Supply and Starbucks).

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY - MAY 2, 6pm to 9pm

Come and join us for the opening reception and meet the artists, see the artwork, and visit beautiful downtown Rochester. It's going to be fun! I hope to see you there!

"Lucky" - Dog Portrait and Lesson Shared

2008-03-03T12:30:00.007-05:00

"Lucky" - Oil on Canvas, 20" by 16"

Lucky is a rescued dog who belongs to one of my students. He's so loved and pampered and just had to have his portrait painted. Isn't he cute? He's not this large on the canvas, it's the way the picture was cropped.

I wanted to post this picture of "Lucky" to celebrate getting back my stolen paintings, I told you about them in a recent post. "Freedom Drummers" and "Waiting" were taken by a building owner who was owed rent NOT FROM ME. My paintings were there to be sold. Anyway, I went to see this person and explained that the paintings were mine, and after showing her proof of ownership she had me sign a release and I took them home! I'm feeling lucky, because this is in litigation and I didn't have to wait until the mess was resolved in court. One side suing for money owed, and one side suing for stolen property (I'm not a lawyer but it's unlawful to remove property even when owed money). Either way, I owed neither one of them money and just wanted my paintings back! Glad I kept records.

This is a good lesson for anyone who paints. Keep good records of your artwork, with photos, size, date of completion, I would suggest a written description of the painting, and medium used, including varnishes. You can also list any Exhibitions and Shows they've been in. If sold be sure to record when and to whom. And as stated in a post to Alyson B. Stanfield, "About seven years ago I started stamping my work (especially commissioned pieces) on the back with my name, a copyright symbol with the date, and my phone number, as well as signing them on the front."

Thank you to all who showed concern during this situation.

Pastel Landscape: At Rest - 9"x12", Pastel on Sanded Paper

2008-02-08T16:05:00.003-05:00

This pastel landscape will be one of my paintings exhibited at the de la Ferriere Gallery in Waterford Michigan, at the end of February. There are eleven Michigan artists featured in the show, with a great variety of art work which proves to be an exciting and fun show. Come see the work and meet the artists at the Opening Reception: Friday, February 29- from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
I hope to see you there!

Here's the press release with more information:

EXHIBITION: Quiet Moments: A Group Exhibition

DATES OF EXHIBITION: Friday, February 29 through Thursday, April 3, 2008

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, February 29 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 p

GALLERY: Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery, 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, MI

Artists Capture Quiet Moments in Paintings

The Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery will host “Quiet Moments”, a group exhibition by eleven Oakland County artists, from Friday, February 29 through Thursday, April 3, 2008 with an opening reception on Friday, February 29 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. This exhibition showcases approximately 30 paintings of various subject matter, styles, and mediums to explore the theme of quiet moments in everyday life -- of reflection and contemplation, of a place, and of nature. Landscapes, portraits, still lifes, figuratives, and florals -- realism, impressionistic realism, expressionism, and abstract expressionism -- oil, watercolor, mixed water media, pastel, and acrylic are all represented.

Come and enjoy the variety of works by these very creative artists: Beverly Booth of Troy, Geri Boyle of Addison Township, Carter Coss, Clay Dodson, Frank Dulin, and Patrice Erickson of Rochester Hills; Janet Almstadt-Davison and Saundra DeCourcy of Oakland, Kim McKerracher of Goodrich, Lois Primeau of Huntington Woods, and Nicki Thompson of Waterford.

For more information please call the Waterford Cultural Council at 248-618-7529. The de la Ferriere Gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and is located at

2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, Michigan, off of M-59 approximately one mile east of Oakland County International Airport.

Stolen Painting - "Freedom Drummers", 24" by 20" Oil on Canvas

2008-01-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

My painting, "Freedom Drummers", was stolen in December 2007 about 2 weeks before Christmas from a Salon in Waterford. It was being displayed on the wall and offered for sale. Another painting of mine, "Waiting" was also taken. I am deeply saddened by this. I worked on the drummers for over a year, and was proud to have it exhibited in two shows in 2007. There were paintings by other artist that were taken as well. I know how hard we artist work in our profession and I hope that we recover our precious artwork.

Now on a lighter note, I'd like to thank all my family and friends who encouraged and supported me for the year 2007. Thank you for attending my Art Exhibits and Shows, visiting my website, and blog (especially those who left comments). A special thanks to all who bought my artwork and commissioned custom portraits. It makes what I love to do that much more meaningful and pleasurable when I see how much you cherish the paintings.

I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Dog Portrait - "Molly", 16" by 12", Oil on Canvas

2007-10-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

Molly, a beautiful rescued Greyhound dog, is the subject of this oil painting. She was adopted by good friends of mine from GreyHeart Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan. When I saw her, I knew I had to paint her on a canvas. Her markings are so colorful, and beautiful.
GreyHeart is a wonderful organization and they do so much for these retired racers. See more at http://www/greyheart.org

The painting was recently juried into the "3rd Annual Michigan Portrait Show," at the Orion Art Center in Orion, Michigan, by Kathleen Van Ella of Portraits/Chicago Inc. http://www.portraitschicago.com/ . Also juried in was a commissioned painting of "Curtis", a precious little boy dressed in a sailor suit. I was honored to have these paintings selected to hang among the beautiful artwork done by very talented artists. For more information on The Orion Art Center go their website at: http://www.orionartcenter.org/

Update on show at the "de la Ferriere Gallery"

2007-10-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

Christie Kay and Nicki Thompson

This is an update on the show, "Painted Classically: a Two-Person Exhibition by Nicki Thompson and Patrice Erickson", at the Waterford Cultural Council's de la Ferriere Gallery. First of all thank you to all who were able to attend the artist's reception. You helped to make it the largest attended reception at the gallery. Also, thank you to the staff for all the help in making this a successful show. You are appreciated! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments, we're so glad you enjoyed the exhibit.

There is still time to see the show. It will remain open and free to the public until Nov. 1, 07.
For directions or information call: (248) 618-7529

"Sturgeon Point Lighthouse"

2007-09-10T17:12:00.000-04:00

"Sturgeon Point Lighthouse"

24" by 30"

oil on canvas

I painted this Michigan Lighthouse for the owner of a wonderful hotel in Petoskey Michigan. The hotel is called, Apple Tree Inn. It's a cozy Victorian style inn. The rooms are large and each has its own balcony overlooking a beautiful view of Petoskey. My husband and I stay here when we get the chance to visit the area.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is located on the east coast of Michigan in Harrisville, about halfway between the northern point of Saginaw Bay and Thunder Bay Island. It is standing on the shore end of a somewhat narrow, long strip of land that stretches out in shallow water into Lake Huron. It is open to the public, as a museum, 7 days a week from Memorial Day to the middle of September. However you can visit and take pictures of the grounds all year.

Art Exhibition-Painted Classically

2007-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

EXHIBITION: Painted Classically: a Two-Person Exhibition by Nicki Thompson and Patrice Erickson
DATES OF EXHIBITION: Monday, September 17 through Thursday, November 1, 2007
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, September 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
GALLERY: Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery, 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, MI

Oakland County Artists Collaborate on an Exhibition Celebrating Representational Art
The Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery will host “Painted Classically: a Two-Person Exhibition by Nicki Thompson and Patrice Erickson”, from Monday, September 17 through Thursday, November 1, 2007 with an opening reception on Friday, September 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. This exhibition showcases fine art oil paintings in the style of classical realism with a variety of subjects including portraiture, figurative works, and landscapes.
A mutual admiration and respect for the art and methods of the Old Masters brought portrait artists Patrice Erickson of Rochester Hills and Nicki Thompson of Waterford together. They met last February at an open studio portrait drawing session where they showed each other their portfolios. It wasn’t long after that when they agreed to set aside time in between portrait commissions to collaborate on an exhibition that celebrates representational art. The paintings featured in the show were all made using classical academic techniques and include figurative work and landscapes in addition to portraiture. “Working in this manner gives the paintings depth and richness of color and luminosity,” Erickson explains, “and when made correctly will survive for centuries.” “It’s exciting to me that realism seems to be making a come back,” adds Thompson, “As an artist and a teacher I am committed to sharing and continuing the classical tradition of this academic style of painting.” Both artists welcome portrait commissions and have online portfolios at http://www.patriceerickson.com and http://www.nickithompsonart.com.
For more information please call Patrice Erickson at 248-375-9575, Nicki Thompson at 248-681-4697, or the Waterford Cultural Council at 248-618-7529. The de la Ferriere Gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and is located at 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, Michigan, off of M-59 approximately one mile east of Oakland County International Airport.

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ARTIST RECEPTION:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 2007 , from 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Painting Plein Air at Gabriel's Garden

2007-07-29T16:51:00.000-04:00

On July 20, The Michigan Portrait Society and Open Air Painters, of which I'm a member, were invited to paint in Gabriel's Garden at the 5th Annual "Michigan Lavender Festival" in Romeo, MI. It was a beautiful day, the weather cooperated, not always the case with painting plein air (outside). I met alot of people and was able to share some samples of my portrait paintings. There was a young girl, named Angela, playing the harp and when she was on break Charlene Helen Berry played the dulcimer. Both of these professional musicians supplied the most beautiful music. With the relaxing sounds, wonderful weather, and intoxicating smell of lavender, it was a perfect day for painting a beautiful spot in the garden. It all ended too soon, so I took my oil painting back to my home-studio to finish.

I have been given the honor to paint a portrait of Angela playing the harp. I also spoke with Charlene Helen Berry about painting a portrait of her to possibly be used for a future CD cover. I'm looking forward to this as I would like to add them to my series of figurative paintings of musicians and dancers.

More information about Gabriel's Garden can be found at www.michlavenderfestival.com

"A Wish"

2007-07-21T15:14:00.000-04:00

"A Wish"
14" by 11"
Oil on Canvas

This portrait painting was inspired by a song I wrote in 1972, called "One Dandelion". The song was written in honor of my mother who passed away when I was 5 yrs old. She was a talented musician and writer and, like me, a dreamer. My model for this oil painting is Macayla.

"Scooter"

2006-10-16T10:42:00.000-04:00

14 x 11 inches
oil on canvas

"Scooter was painted using 3 colors. Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and White. I painted him to use as a sample for advertising my Pet Portraits in Oil."