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| Portrait of Alma Thomas by Laura W. Waring |
To find one's self lost in the color-fields of Alma Thomas
is remarkably; a very good place to be so gloriously engaged. For whatever time
you find yourself in their company; you are not really lost but in the hands
and talents of one of America’s finest creators. Miss Thomas’ paintings are passionate feasts of color, light and gestural forms. Patterns
figure heavily into her mosaic like compositions. Her works will stand the test
of time and scrutiny but at best are things to be purely enjoyed.
Miss Thomas is most associated with her beloved Washington DC where she taught in public schools and at Howard University. She was discovered after retirement while attending American University studying and quickly mastering abstraction and it’s intricacies. After a few major exhibitions her reputation grew to the highest levels and she is found in major collections, museums, magazines and histories. Her work is included at both the National Gallery and the American Art Museum in the nation’s capital as part of their permanent collections.
Nature figured greatly in the aesthetics of Alma Thomas. Her
mature style was unique and by observing and using nature as her measure of excellence
that singularity of expression she cherished became a reality. She loved to
take long drives observing the beauty, composition and effects of light and
atmosphere on the objects of the natural world. She understood the importance
it played in her work and the fullness she enjoyed from experiencing it’s
riches. The effect it produced on her life and art are measureless and we; the
benefactors remain in wondrous awe.
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