Color!

The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most. John Ruskin

Color is one thing I can’t get enough of! In fact, over time I’ve found that I want more color rather than less. I think some of my college painting classmates thought I would outgrow my appetite for vibrant color. Not at all! Why? God colored his creation and it’s in us to enjoy color.


Pine Trail by Joan C. Thomson©

A Red Hibiscus Day

Everywhere I looked in Spain, red hibiscus grew. I was very pleased to learn that in translation, the local name for the beauty is “flower of peace”!
So naturally at home, I had to grow some! Last week, my plant (at last!) granted me a red hibiscus day. Red hibiscus' now often turn up in my art representing peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Put Away Your Sorrow

Here's the finished painting--Put Away Your Sorrow

In the Studio

I grew up on the Gulf Coast and still love going to the beach. I’m not one for swimming in the surf but walking along the edge, digging my feet into the sand and picking up a few shells in the salt breezes refreshes and relaxes me like nothing else. After many years away from the beach, my husband and I got to go to Charleston last year and Virginia Beach this year! I’ve been painting ocean scenes ever since!

In this canvas I hope to capture some of my feelings about the beach. I often paint with acrylics, as in this small canvas, since they’re so compatible with collage. I’ve collaged a line I found in an old book (that I’m altering) “put away your sorrow”, (in what will be) under the surf.

Guatemalan Inspiration

I love Guatemalan belts! I’ve used my favorite one as the inspiration for our living room décor. Today, I painted some strips of watercolor paper to put on the stark white edges of our built-in bookshelves. Got to have color!

Chalk Talk

I wished my 19 year-old neighbor a happy birthday in sidewalk chalk at her doorstep. She wrote me back, then brought us ice cream cake!