Episode 8: James R Thompson
"The Last Cup" (painted during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic)
The artist in his backyard.
What Muncie Neighborhood do you live in?
Westbrier-University Heights
I call myself a:
An Occasional Painter/Handyman
What is your creative practice?
In painting or any job, my practice is to approach the work with possible options; with as many insights as I can muster at that moment. Sometimes they flow, sometimes the well is dry.
How did you get started in your practice?
My interest in art began at a young age. My first solid memories are of drawing little pictures in church to entertain myself during the sermons (1950s). Grandmother was encouraging, mom and dad were happy I wasn't squirming. At age 14, I received a wooden, paintbox set of oil paints for Christmas. What kid could resist playing with exotic equipment and dangerous chemicals? I began to experiment.
Are you an artist full time? If no, what is your day job?
I'm a retired elementary art instructor from Wisconsin. I've always dabbled in painting but over the years so many other things have captured my attention and time or distracted me; food, girls, cars, war, marriage and raising children, career, and DIY projects, in that order. I still love the diversion of DIY projects!
I typically start painting with a pencil drawing on stretched canvas, then lined with burnt umber, and then a final, thin ground of burnt umber. This neutral ground eliminates the harsh white of the canvas and facilitates judging color intensity and value as the painting progresses. The box fan goes in the open window to exhaust the solvent and paint fumes.
More of my recent work is piling up in the corner. By the way, I built that white cabinet in 1971 to fit under our kitchen sink in our tiny, Peru, Indiana apartment while stationed at Grissom AFB. It made the trip from Wisconsin through Chicago on top of our VW Bug and created so much wind resistance that top speed was 55 MPH. It now holds art supplies.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING IN YOUR STUDIO / WORKSPACE?
The challenge of executing a vision on canvas is a bit intimidating and foreboding at times but I love the solitude, the crisp focus, the oneness with the moment that artwork provides in the studio. Gardening can generate a similar peacefulness but you don't end up with something nice to hang on the wall.
"Trestle" (scene from a favorite trail near our Wisconsin home)
Where do you find your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from most any source. In the early years it was always a random surprise until I trained myself to actually hunt for it. Interior scenes, landscapes, people, etc.; anything with a touch of melancholy, mysteries in shadow, private moments, they all intrigue me.
What’s on your bookshelf or playing in your studio these days?
Well, first of all, my studio is actually the corner of a spare bedroom with a large north window looking out at a couple of swings in our tree that the neighbor kids play on. So other than enjoying the chatter of their voices, I usually listen to rather tame, soothing rock, old time blues/jazz, or 3rd World music when I paint. For reading, I prefer historical novels or archeological magazines. Hmm, I guess old guys like old things.
What other creative practitioners do you look to for inspiration?
There are a number of the great artists that have inspired me; several Impressionists, Symbolists, and American Regionalists. But I also enjoy watching 4-5 painters on their weekly PBS programs. They have quite a range of skill sets but I find these sessions relaxing and a couple of these artists are exceptional at explaining the finer points of masterful composition and painting. There is always something to learn.
"Quest" (my daughter-in-law at Limberlost Swamp)
What is your favorite place in Muncie?
My wife and I both enjoy the Ball State campus. The well-ordered walkways, the flowers, the energy of the passing students, Christy Woods, the architectural designs, David Owsley Museum, the music and theatre performances, are all so uplifting and encouraging.
What is your favorite creative place to go
Much of the creative process is simply thinking and pondering. Places of solitude provide uninterrupted moments to consider the options of composition, color, and approach. For me that includes morning walks, green spaces, bicycling, staring out the studio window, or doing other projects. It sounds cliche, but sometimes I wake up in the night or morning and realize I've settled on a creative solution that often includes what to make for breakfast!
Where can people see your work or learn more about you?
Finding my work publicly displayed is going to be a fruitless pursuit. Friends see my work occasionally posted on Facebook or at the house, but that's about it. I've shied away from shows and sales, though I'm not opposed to that. I've just never been much of a salesman or self-promotor; skills that are essential for a successful art business.
"East Light"
"Bud Vase"