Painting wildlife in acrylic workshop July 13th 2019, New Forest, Hampshire

I will be running a wildlife painting workshop using acrylics this summer on the edge of the New Forest national park, Hampshire

I have worked with acrylics as a wildlife illustrator and artist for over 25 years and find this versatile medium perfect for achieving the details that I love to capture in my paintings.

On this workshop, I will share some of my techniques and tips for painting wildlife which I use as an illustrator and painter, leading participants through the painting of an animal subject. During the workshop I will also cover composition and choice of subject matter, habitats, sketchbooks and use of photography.

This is an opportunity for anyone who has struggled with acrylics or would like to broaden their knowledge of working with this paint to experiment and learn with the emphasis on nature inspired art.  The day is all about relaxing and enjoying working with acrylics in the company of other artists and leaving with new techniques to try in your own work.

Hulse Hall, where I will be running this workshop, is set in the heart of Breamore village on the A338 and surrounded by countryside.  The hall is easily located from Ringwood or Salisbury.

Tea, coffee, biscuits and homemade cake is supplied. Please bring a packed lunch.

Parking outside the hall.

For further information or to book your place on the workshop please email me on the address below or call. Spaces are limited to just 15 so contact me asap to secure a place.

Email: kim.thompson7@btinternet.com

Tel: 01725 511 878  mobile 07946 594 482

The Rook

I just had to paint this portrait of a Rook. They are such gregarious, busy birds, always peering into bins or marching across farmland in large groups. This particular bird was hanging around the cafe at a zoo and watching every sandwich and sausage roll that was consumed. My offer of a crust was immediately accepted and afforded a fabulous opportunity to study the brilliant, petrol hues in his plumage. I loved painting the details in his beak, all those scratches and scruffiness of skin and the fluff of silky feathers around the eye. He was a beautiful and fun subject to capture as I recalled his confidence and interest. No aggression at all just a patience in the wait for a snack. I painted him against white on a board measuring 24 x 34 inches and he is quite a presence in a room with his clever eye staring straight out at you!

Surrey Contemporary Art Fair 16th - 17th March 2019

This year I will be taking part in Surrey Contemporary Art Fair at Sandown Racecourse, Esher. Recently I have been exploring new ideas and developing a more contemporary feel to my work. It has been exciting to paint on a much bigger scale with some pieces measuring a metre square and featuring large portraits of birds and animals. I still enjoy the details and realism that is a feature of my illustration style but now combine this with more abstract backgrounds. Equally I have been exploring textures and patterns and drawing some of this into my backgrounds, layering both and working into the surface of the board. Painting with acrylics and oils allows for some exciting developments as you are often not too sure how experiments will turn out. Watch this space as more paintings emerge from the studio and from my field trips out into the New Forest for inspiration!
Meanwhile, at the art fair in Surrey I will have some of my recent work on show as well as some gorgeous prints on canvas and archival paper. I have also printed some of my earlier work as bigger canvases including Zebra Storm which looks amazing as a big print I hope to see you there! For details please visit the art fair website

www.contemporaryartfairs.co.uk