Featured Artist

Lincoln artist Judith Thompson has established herself in the Loudoun art community as the maker of funky, yet thought-provoking paintings. Focusing on female subjects, her paintings combine dramatic color with a stop-action compositional style. A former clothing designer and sculptor, she enjoys dressing her imaginary subjects in richly patterned attire and creating a three-dimensional feel to her work. In the dreamlike world of Judith's paintings, a snowy egret might stand nonchalantly by a regal woman sitting for her portrait, or a socialite might quietly take her tea while her pearls are flying through the air. The women in her paintings are often staring directly out of the canvas at the viewer as if asking, "Does this scene seem strange to you, too?"

This artist has been drawing women all her life, using them to express emotions and feelings that might not be completely ladylike or socially acceptable. "The idea is to stay pleasant," says Thompson. "I like to paint women who are individuals and have something to say or express."

Thompson was raised in Connecticut by a supportive family who encouraged her artistic development from a young age. She eventually studied sculpture, earning a master's in fine arts. from Temple University. She and her husband Jesse moved to Lincoln in 2004, where they live with their two dogs. Thompson maintains a studio at Round Hill Arts Center.