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“There’s aches and pains all over, but I have to keep going! People grow old and feel old, but as I’m growing old, I’m feeling younger.”

Thank you for attending our class on the inspirational artist Alma Thomas and her iconic concentric circles. We explored her life, artistic journey, and her impact on the art world. We hope you found her story inspiring and that it encourages you to continue your own creative journey.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Alma Thomas: A Life of Perseverance

Alma Thomas was an educator and artist who pursued her passion for art later in life. She was 68 when she became a full-time professional artist and 81 when she had her first solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum, making history as the first African American woman to achieve this honor.

Her Signature Style

Thomas is known for her vibrant use of color and mosaic-like brushstrokes, often inspired by light, nature, and space exploration. Her work focused on joy, beauty, and optimism rather than struggle or protest.

Experimenting with Art Techniques

She often used acrylic paint in an impasto style, layering thick strokes of color. She also experimented with watercolor for rough drafts and collages as a way to explore composition before finalizing her paintings.

Drawing Inspiration from Nature

Many of her works were inspired by the way light filtered through trees or reflected off the sky. She believed in finding beauty in everyday surroundings and translating that into abstract expressionist paintings.

Your Own Alma Thomas-Inspired Art

Try creating your own abstract expressionist piece inspired by nature. Use blocks of color, concentric circles, or vertical and horizontal strokes. You can use any medium you like—watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, or even collage techniques.

Interesting Articles about Alma Thomas and Her Work

The Art of Alma W. Thomas: A Colorful Response (National Air and Space Museum)
ALMA W. THOMAS: EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL (THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION)
Alma Thomas: Life in Washington National Gallery of Art
Alma Thomas (Smithsonian American Art Museum)
Diversity in White House Art: Alma Thomas (The Whitehouse Historical Association)
Alma Thomas (art works on Artsy.net)