Soft, dreamy landscapes, still lifes and buildings – whether real or fantasy-based – are watercolorist Vicki Thomas’ forte. When the mood strikes, however, she applies her liquid style of painting and drawing to people, flowers and seascapes, as well.
The flowing movement of her style of creating watercolors may have been born during her former career as a fashion illustrator. Thomas spent 17 years in the fashion industry in Los Angeles before moving to Mariposa more than four years ago, where her husband’s parents live.“I am absolutely loving it here. I enjoy the wonderful art community we have here, and I feel so blessed to be living here in the mountains where there’s so much artistic talent,” Thomas said during her Sierra Art Trails exhibit at Burning Brush Art Gallery in Oakhurst last weekend.
Thomas said her love of drawing and the process of painting grew out of her “inner need to create. It’s a wonderful feeling to be totally involved in the process of painting and then to experience the results, which can be surprising sometimes.”
Thomas grew up in Wisconsin and spent a year studying in Amsterdam, Holland before earning her bachelor of fine arts degree from Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and juried art shows, both in California and several other states. She also has taught classes in watercolor for both children and adults for more than 10 years.
Thomas is an active member and officer of the Yosemite Western Artists, a not-for-profit club headquartered in the historic 1878 Gertrude School House in Ahwahnee. The club is open to artists in any medium, and dues start at just $25 per year for adults, and $10 for students. The club is now gearing up for the 16th Annual Gold Rush Art Show and Sale, Oct. 17-28, at Sierra Gallery in Mariposa.
To view Thomas’ gallery of paintings, visit her website at www.vickithomasartist.com.
