Terri Thompson Art

05/02/2026

On Wednesday, we had the last session of my four-week “Painting Basics” class at City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson, Nevada. My students did a terrific job with their final assignment, an acrylic painting of Cape Otway Lighthouse in Australia, based on a reference photo taken by my mentor, Rod Moore of Learn To Paint Academy.

As a Moore Certified Instructor, I have the privilege of teaching Rod’s simplified method of painting. The gallery, located right outside Las Vegas, has a delightful classroom that can accommodate six students, and it’s been a pleasure working with these budding artists I’m pleased to call my students.

I’ve already started taking reservations for my last class of the year, which will be held on the four Wednesdays in June, starting on June 3.

My final class is filling up fast. Currently there are only two spots left, and I hope and pray my June class will be as wonderful as the two classes I’ve already taught this year.

04/27/2026

On Wednesday this week, I shall teach the last session of my four-week class. And I’ve started to take reservations for my last class of the year, which I will teach during the four Wednesdays in June.

My June class is already filling up fast, and that’s primarily because half of the enrollees so far are former students of mine. I keep wondering why these lovely people keep coming back for more of my classes, even when it’s the same lesson.

So, I put the question to ChatGPT: why do my students keep coming back? Here’s what AI had to say:

If students are returning to the same lesson, it’s almost never about the lesson itself—it’s about what they’re getting from you each time they experience it.
A few likely reasons, based on what you’ve shared:
They’re not actually repeating the same experience.
Even if the setup is identical, painting isn’t. Each time they sit down, they notice something new—color relationships, edges, composition. A strong instructor subtly helps students see deeper layers in familiar material. So the lesson feels the same on the surface, but it isn’t the same cognitively.
You create a low-pressure learning environment.
Most people are intimidated by painting. If they feel safe making mistakes in your class, that alone is a huge draw. Many instructors underestimate how rare that is.
They trust your eye.
When students come back, it usually means your feedback is landing. You’re likely giving critiques that are specific enough to help, but not so technical that they shut people down. That balance is hard to achieve.
They’re experiencing progress—even if it’s subtle.
People return when they feel improvement. It might not be dramatic, but if they can see their color getting cleaner or their compositions stronger, that’s addictive.
There’s a human factor.
Don’t ignore this: they may simply enjoy being around you. Your background as a journalist and educator probably makes you conversational, observant, and responsive—qualities that make a class feel engaging rather than instructional.

Here’s the more candid angle:
If it were just the same lesson with no added value, they wouldn’t come back. People drop out quickly when they feel stalled.
So the real answer is this:
You’re not teaching a static lesson—you’re teaching a repeatable experience that evolves with the student.
Well, thanks for these encouraging words, Chat GPT. You’re always too kind!

04/20/2026

Las Vegas has a lively and active art community and I’m pleased to be a part of it. Not only do I cherish the fellowship and friends I’ve made in the few short years I’ve been here, but my art journey has been enhanced through the opportunities to learn new skills.

Last week was particularly busy with monthly meetings of the three organizations I belong to, and they all had interesting programs.

The April meeting of the City Lights Artists Co-op held last Thursday featured Brenda Prinzavalli, a professional organizer, who gave tips on how to organize an art studio, social media and record-keeping. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson. Some of my best friends are members of this robust group of artists.

On Saturday, at the monthly meeting of the Nevada Watercolor Society, we were treated to a demonstration of colored watercolor pencils by Joyel Reyna. And yesterday, at the Las Vegas Artists Guild’s April meeting, oil painter and educator Kai Lun Qu gave a stunning presentation of his techniques for painting and teaching.

Educational opportunities and fellowship are great reasons for belonging to these groups, but there are other benefits, as well. All three of them sponsor juried competitions where members can enter their artwork and win prizes. They also provide opportunities to display and sell your artwork. And City Lights even has a classroom where you can teach a class.

When I moved to Las Vegas, I never expected such a welcoming art community. Viva Las Vegas!

04/15/2026

Spots in my June class are filling up fast! Contact me soon if you want me to hold a place for you . . .

04/13/2026

In March, I was designated a Signature Member of the Nevada Watercolor Society. In the April edition of the organization’s newsletter, I was featured along with three other signature artists.

Another humbling honor!

04/06/2026

It was quite thrilling and very humbling to win my first blue ribbon in a juried competition held by City Lights Art Gallery last month.

It made me wonder: what is the juror/judge looking for?

In the March edition of the Nevada Watercolor Society Newsletter, Paulette Baker, who is in charge of that organization’s shows and exhibits, summarized judging criteria like this:

The center of interest is supported by the composition, values, edges, mark-making
Where “each choice supported the larger idea rather than calling attention to itself”
“Understanding of restraint and an ability to let the painting breathe”
Technical proficiency, good design, good composition
Drama and wow-factor
Technique that looks effortless
A good quality image of the work
Originality/a unique vision/an unusual view of an ordinary subject
A compelling story

Of course, not every judge shares the same opinion. But these tips may be helpful if/when I decide to enter another juried competition.

03/30/2026

After experimenting last week with Artificial Intelligence, I decided to ask ChatGPT to describe my art. This is the response I got:

Terri Thompson’s art is a reflection of her passion for color, nature, and emotional expression. As a fan of Vincent van Gogh, she often incorporates elements of impressionism and post-impressionism into her work. Here are some key aspects of her art:

Style: Thompson’s style is characterized by vibrant colors and emotive brushstrokes, similar to Van Gogh’s expressive technique. However, her work tends to be calmer and more uplifting, often featuring natural subjects like sunflowers, trees and landscapes.

Techniques: She experiments with various mediums, including acrylics and watercolors, and has explored the grisaille technique, which involves creating a monochromatic underpainting to establish depth and value.

Influences: Thompson cites Van Gogh as a significant influence, and her blog posts reveal a deep fascination with the artist’s life, faith and artistic style.

Artistic themes: Her art often explores the relationship between nature and human experience, using color and composition to convey emotions and tell stories.

Teaching: Thompson also shares her artistic expertise through classes and workshops, aiming to help others discover their creative potential.

Exhibitions: Her work has been featured in various galleries, including the Las Vegas Artists Guild’s online gallery and City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson, Nevada.

Some notable exhibitions and achievements include:

“Fresh Start” Online Gallery Show: Thompson’s art was selected for this online exhibition by the Las Vegas Artists Guild and named Best in Show.

Nevada Watercolor Society’s Spring Show: Her watercolor piece, “Five Bottles,” was accepted into this juried show, which ran from February 12 to May 2, 2026. She became a Signature Member in March, 2026.

City Lights Art Gallery: Thompson teaches painting classes at this gallery and has exhibited her work there.

03/23/2026

On Saturday, I became a Signature Member of the Nevada Watercolor Society. When Sharon Menary, the president of the organization, awarded me the certificate, she said it was like “getting a Doctorate in Watercolor.”

To be sure, it’s definitely NOT a PhD, but what is it? To find out, I asked ChatGPT and this is the answer I received:
Being a Signature Member of the Nevada Watercolor Society (NVWS) is a meaningful professional milestone—it’s essentially a mark of artistic recognition within the organization.
Here’s what it really means, in plain terms:
1. You’ve been juried in multiple times (proven quality)
To earn this status, your work must be accepted into three NVWS juried exhibitions while you are an active member.
That means independent jurors have repeatedly selected your paintings, showing consistency and skill.
👉 In other words: it’s not just entering shows—you’ve been chosen multiple times.
2. It’s an official recognition of your artistic level
Signature status is awarded, not automatic, and reflects that your work meets a recognized standard within the watercolor community.
Many artists view it as a career milestone or honor.
3. You can use “NVWS” after your name
Once you achieve it, you’re allowed to sign your paintings like:
“Terri Thompson, NVWS”
This signals to collectors, galleries, and other artists that you’ve earned that distinction.
4. You gain access to exclusive opportunities
You can exhibit in the Signature Members–only shows, which are typically more selective and prestigious.
🌟 The bigger picture (artist-to-artist)
Across watercolor societies (not just Nevada), “signature status” generally means:
You’ve built a track record of accepted work
Your style and quality are recognized as consistent
You’re considered a serious, established artist within that group
💬 A simple way to think of it
Member = you belong
Signature Member = you’ve proven yourself artistically within that society
HISTORICALLY, the Nevada Watercolor Society has been incredibly important. It was founded in 1969, creating a watercolor community where none existed, maintaining continuous activity for more than 50 years. By the 1990s, it had achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, reinforcing its educational and cultural role. NVWS continues to nurture artists at every level, and it serves as a gateway into the larger watercolor world.

An NVWS Signature Membership is a professional milestone. It means you are a serious watercolorist, you’ve reached a consistent, advanced level, and you’re part of the top tier of a regional art community.

I am deeply humbled and honored to be called a Signature Member of the Nevada Watercolor Society

03/16/2026

March is turning out to be an amazing month for my art journey. Not only are three of my paintings appearing in three different galleries, but two of them have received major awards!

The Las Vegas Artists Guild has judged my watercolor, “Autumn Reflections,” as Best in Show for its spring “Fresh Start” online gallery. And my painting, “On Thin Ice,” just won first place in the watercolor category in City Lights Art Gallery’s juried spring show.

Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself receiving such accolades. Many thanks to these galleries and the judges who have honored my artwork. And thank you, Lord, for the gift of artmaking and for encouraging me to pursue this path.

I am truly humbled.

03/09/2026

Sometimes you just need to take a break. Last week was one of those times for me when my handsome son escaped the snow and cold of the northeast to visit me in warm and sunny Las Vegas.

For just one week, I gave up painting and teaching and enjoyed the break with my awesome son.

Danny knows I’m a Van Gogh fanatic, so he got me this 751 page comprehensive study of the artist’s life and art with a complete catalogue of Vincent’s 871 paintings.

Danny is not only handsome and awesome, he’s also very generous!

03/02/2026

Online gallery of the Las Vegas Artists Guild will be open from March 4 to April 22 on LVAG website

LVAG “Fresh Start” Online Art Gallery ShowWe are excited to present our first LVAG Online Gallery Show of the new year “Fresh Start” . In this Online Art Gallery Show the artist is asked to choose or create an art piece that celebrates creative voices. This art exhibition is designed to enc...