Alma Thomas, a luminary in the realm of abstract art, painted her way into the hearts of art enthusiasts with a palette as vibrant as her spirit. Born on September 22, 1891, in Columbus, Georgia, Thomas’s early years set the stage for her artistic journey. After graduating from Howard University in 1924 with a degree in Fine Arts, she embarked on a career in education, teaching art for 35 years in Washington, D.C. But it was in her retirement, at the age of 70, that she fully embraced her identity as a pioneering artist, marking the beginning of a prolific and groundbreaking chapter in American art history. Now, let’s dive into the kaleidoscopic world of Alma Thomas paintings, exploring ten of her most iconic and visually stunning masterpieces.
1. The Eclipse
| Date | 1970 |
| Dimensions | 68 x 48 inches |
| Location | Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. |
Imagine standing under the vast expanse of the night sky, witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of “The Eclipse.” Alma Thomas paints a cosmic masterpiece that beckons us to gaze into the mysteries of the universe. This painting is not just a visual feast; it’s an invitation to join a celestial dance where colors collide and harmonize in the grandest of galactic celebrations.
2. Red Abstraction
| Date | 1960 |
| Dimensions | 16 x 24 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
In the world of “Red Abstraction,” emotions wear a vivid coat of red. Alma Thomas, in her characteristic style, crafts a compact yet emotionally charged piece that speaks volumes without uttering a single word. This petite powerhouse of a painting is like a concentrated burst of feeling, encapsulating the intensity of the human experience in a small but mighty canvas.
3. White Roses Sing and Sing
| Date | 1976 |
| Dimensions | 60 x 50 inches |
| Location | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
Step into a serene garden where “White Roses Sing and Sing.” Alma Thomas invites us to stroll through a landscape painted in hues of white, creating a canvas that practically hums with tranquility. The delicate strokes and harmonious composition make this artwork a visual ode to the beauty of nature, whispering melodies of peace and serenity to those lucky enough to behold it.
4. Starry Night and the Astronauts
| Date | 1972 |
| Dimensions | 52 x 48 inches |
| Location | National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. |
Houston, we have art! “Starry Night and the Astronauts” catapults us beyond the stars and into the realm of cosmic dreams. Alma Thomas, seemingly inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” adds her own psychedelic twist. It’s as if the iconic painting had a groovy space party, and Alma Thomas was the DJ, spinning colors and shapes into an intergalactic dance of visual delight.
5. Autumn Leaves Fluttering in the Breeze
| Date | 1973 |
| Dimensions | 68 x 48 inches |
| Location | The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago |
Picture a crisp fall day with “Autumn Leaves Fluttering in the Breeze.” Alma Thomas paints the essence of the season, making you want to grab a cozy sweater and take a leisurely stroll through a park. The painting breathes life into the canvas, and you can almost hear the leaves crunching beneath your feet as you immerse yourself in the warmth of autumnal colors.
6. Pansies in Washington
| Date | 1969 |
| Dimensions | 68 x 52 inches |
| Location | Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. |
Concrete jungles can be just as colorful as floral landscapes in “Pansies in Washington.” Alma Thomas transforms the urban scenery into a vibrant pansy party, a celebration of nature thriving amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s a visual reminder that beauty can bloom in unexpected places, and sometimes all it takes is an artist’s perspective to reveal the kaleidoscope around us.
7. Snoopy Sees Earth Wrapped in Sunset
| Date | 1970 |
| Dimensions | 68 x 48 inches |
| Location | The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. |
Who says art can’t be whimsical? “Snoopy Sees Earth Wrapped in Sunset” is a playful escape into a Peanuts-inspired daydream. Alma Thomas invites us to view the world through the eyes of Snoopy, where reality intertwines with a touch of fantasy. It’s a delightful painting that brings a smile and a sense of childlike wonder to anyone lucky enough to experience it.
8. Red Sunset, Old Pond Concerto
| Date | 1972 |
| Dimensions | 60 x 50 inches |
| Location | The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York |
Brace yourself for a red-hot sunset in “Red Sunset, Old Pond Concerto.” Alma Thomas orchestrates a visual symphony that invites you to slow dance under the evening sky. The canvas becomes a stage where nature performs a peaceful concerto, and you, my friend, are the honored spectator.
9. Red Rose Cantata
| Date | 1973 |
| Dimensions | 60 x 50 inches |
| Location | Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. |
Love is in full bloom in “Red Rose Cantata.” Alma Thomas uses her paintbrush to compose a romantic melody, each stroke singing the praises of passion and beauty. The red roses dance across the canvas, creating a visual composition that resonates with the romanticism of nature’s expressions of love.
10. Light Blue Nursery
| Date | 1968 |
| Dimensions | 68 x 52 inches |
| Location | The Museum of Modern Art, New York |
If tranquility had a color, it would be the “Light Blue Nursery.” Alma Thomas turns the canvas into a haven of peace, a lullaby in visual form. It’s a gentle reminder that amidst the vibrant chaos of life, there exists a serene refuge painted in the softest of blues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of art is Alma Thomas known for?
After more than thirty years of teaching art in a junior high school in Washington, D.C., Alma Woodsey Thomas began to establish her characteristic abstract painting style in her late seventies.
How much is Alma Thomas painting worth?
The artist’s highest auction price since 2000 is $3,922,000 USD for A Fantastic Sunset, which was sold at Christie’s New York in 2023. Alma Thomas has appeared in Smithsonian Magazine, ArtDaily, and ARTnews stories.
What is Alma Thomas best known for?
The “exuberant”, vibrant, abstract paintings that Thomas produced after retiring from a 35-year career as an art teacher at Shaw Junior High School in Washington are what made her famous.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a deep dive into the kaleidoscopic world of Alma Thomas’s masterpieces. Her art is not just about brushstrokes and colors; it’s a celebration of life, an exploration of emotions, and an invitation to dance with the imagination. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a creative, channel your inner Alma Thomas, grab a paintbrush (real or imaginary), and let the colors flow. Art is an adventure, and Alma Thomas beckons us to join the party. Here’s to a world painted in the most delightful hues! Cheers to the symphony of colors that Alma Thomas has gifted us.
