Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Alma Thomas
EARLY DAYS:
Alma Thomas (1891-1978) was a renowned African-American abstract painter and educator. She was born in Columbus, Georgia, and moved to Washington D.C. in her teens. After graduating from high school, Thomas went to Miner Teachers College, majoring in art. She continued her studies at Howard University, where she graduated in 1924 with a degree in fine arts.
Thomas's early work was traditional and representational. She painted landscapes and portraits, as well as still lifes and floral studies. But it was during the 1960s that Thomas began to move toward abstraction. Her works were characterized by bright, vibrant colors and energetic brushstrokes. Her paintings often featured abstract forms and shapes, but they also incorporated elements of nature, such as trees and flowers.
One of Thomas's most famous works is the painting, "The Blue Wall" (1964). This painting is an abstract composition of blues, purples and greens. The painting has a dynamic energy and vibrancy that captures the eye immediately. The forms and shapes are reminiscent of a mosaic and the colors evoke a sense of the natural world.
Thomas's paintings were often inspired by her travels. She was particularly drawn to the landscapes of the American Southwest. In her painting "The Grand Canyon" (1969), Thomas captures the awe-inspiring beauty and magnitude of the canyon. The painting is composed of a vibrant array of oranges, yellows and reds. The colors swirl and blend together, creating a sense of movement.
Thomas's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Her works are also featured in many private and public collections.
In addition to her painting, Thomas was an educator. She taught art at Shaw Junior High School from 1929 to 1960. She was an advocate for art education, believing that it was essential for young people to have access to creative expression.
Thomas is remembered as one of the most influential African American painters of her time. She helped to pave the way for other African American artists, and her work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists. Her vivid, energetic works are a testament to her creativity and talent.
Personal Details:
CAREER:
Thomas' artistic career began in earnest in the early 1960s, when she retired from teaching and devoted her time to painting. She was a member of the Washington Color School, a group of painters who famously embraced the use of bright colors and abstract forms, and her work began to receive recognition both locally and nationally. Her work was included in exhibitions at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Whitney Museum of Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Thomas's paintings are characterized by their bold color combinations, intricate patterns, and dynamic shapes. She was heavily influenced by the nature of the DC area, often incorporating imagery from the city's parks and gardens into her work. Her use of bright, vibrant colors and her bold, gestural brushstrokes give her paintings a powerful visual impact.
One of Thomas's best-known works is a series of paintings inspired by the night sky. These works, which she referred to as "space paintings," feature bold, sweeping strokes of intense color that evoke the vastness of the night sky. In many of these works, Thomas creates a sense of movement and energy by layering different colors and shapes on top of one another.
Thomas also experimented with a variety of other styles and mediums throughout her career, including watercolors, oil paints, and collage. In her later years, she developed a distinctive style of painting in which she used acrylic paints to create intricate patterns and shapes. These paintings often featured repeating patterns of circles and stars, as well as subtle gradations of color.
Throughout her career, Thomas remained dedicated to the idea of art as a means of self-expression and social change. She often used her work to reflect on issues of race and gender, and she was an outspoken advocate for the rights of African-Americans.
Alma Thomas's career as a painter was a testament to her remarkable skill and ambition. Her work helped to break down barriers and to challenge the status quo, and her vibrant, colorful paintings have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists today.
