Judy Thompson Watercolors

About

The Artist:

Judy Thompson is an artist of the plains and has called rural NW Iowa her home for over 35 years. This area, known as Siouxland, is home to vast fields, big skies and lush prairies. It is where three states (Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota) meet at the confluence of the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers, and lies right on the edge of the Western Frontier. These Great Plains are full of history, diverse landscapes and natural beauty, providing the perfect inspiration for Judy's watercolor paintings.

I create contemporary watercolors which engage and connect the viewer to the beautiful, yet complex landscapes of the Great Plains.

Judy's Resumé

Judy's Bio:

Judy grew up in the suburbs of Chicago in a small apartment attached to her family's lumberyard. Playing outside was not always an option, so Judy spent many hours drawing and creating.   Her summers were spent in the wilds of Wisconsin where she fished, swam, and hunted for bugs while exploring the family's 95-acre property. These experiences infused a lifelong wonderment of nature and a wanderlust for the out-of-doors.

In school, Judy excelled at art. Field trips to the Chicago Art Museum introduced her to the wonderful world of fine art and fueled her enthusiasm to create.  Her efforts were awarded with a college scholarship to study art. However, following the advice of her well meaning parents, she declined the scholarship and pursued other courses of
study.

Judy's love of the western plains began during college when she took advanced biology and ecology classes in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Wanting to experience more of the "wilds of the West", she joined the campus rock climbing club to climb Gannett Peak in Wyoming. Decades later, when she finally returned to her art, Judy once again immersed herself in the Western plains--this time as an artist-in-residence, first in Nebraska and then South Dakota.

Judy continues to explore and paint the wide open spaces which surround her home, The result is a body of work which speaks to the enduring beauty and tenacity of the Great Plains.

Twilight View. ©Judy Thompson

The object of painting is not to reflect the visible but to make visible.
Paul Klee

Artist Statement:

I create vibrant, textured watercolor paintings that reflect the evolving story of the Midwest’s landscape—both past and present. Through my work, I explore the intricate relationships that shape our prairie ecosystems and the ways in which human activity continues to influence them.

Transparent watercolor is my medium of choice for its expressive range and adaptability. It can be bold and spontaneous or carefully controlled, shifting from serene to energetic—even chaotic. This versatility allows me to push the boundaries of the medium, experimenting with surface treatments and mixed media to develop unique textures and visual depth.

One technique I especially enjoy involves using charcoal, ink, or wax crayon to outline and connect shapes and colors, weaving together elements of each piece. The result is a layered tapestry that mirrors the complexity of the natural world and serves as a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness of life on the plains.

Field Days. ©Judy Thompson

...her work is important as a mid-western artist.. Through her research, she has developed an interest in both the history and landscape of the Midwest, and has made an important contribution towards an aesthetic appreciation of both.
Joanne Alberda, Associated Art Professor, Retired. Dordt University

Artwork Presentation:

In my artistic practice, I usually choose to mount my watercolor paintings on board without the traditional use of mats and glass. This method offers several advantages:

Enhanced Visual Impact: By eliminating the reflective barrier of glass, viewers can experience the true vibrancy and texture of the watercolor medium without interference.
Modern Aesthetic: Mounting on board provides a contemporary, streamlined presentation that aligns with my artistic vision.
Durability and Protection: To safeguard the artwork, I apply a protective varnish over the mounted painting. This not only preserves the piece but also allows it to be displayed without the need for glass.

By adopting this presentation style, I aim to offer a fresh perspective on watercolor art, allowing its inherent qualities to shine through while ensuring longevity and resilience.

The Process:

Accomplishments:

Judy’s artwork has received national and regional awards, including Best of Show in the Iowa Watercolor Society Annual Juried Exhibition. Her work is informed by her experiences as an artist-in-residence at the Homestead National Historical Park, NE (formerly the Homestead National Monument); Badlands National Park, SD and Custer State Park, SD. She is also a grant recipient of the Iowa Arts Council through the National Endowment for the Arts.

Corporate and public collections of Judy's paintings include: the State of South Dakota, the Center for Western Studies, Sioux Falls, Northwestern College, IA, the National Park Service, the South Dakota Historical Society Press, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, and Avera Health.

Judy is a signature member of the Iowa Watercolor Society, an associate member of WAOW (Women Artists of the West) and a member of the Great Plains Watercolor Society. Her recent exhibitions and shows include the Center for Western Studies, SD; Coors Western Art Show and Sale, Denver, CO; the Museum of Agrarian Art, David City, NE; and WAOW National Exhibition, Clarksville, TN.

Gallery Representation:

Rehfelds Modern, Sioux Falls, SD
Prairie Edge, Rapid City, SD
Lanesboro Arts, Lanesboro, MN

See Purchase Information for details.

Publications and Special Projects:

Read all about me: NWest Iowa Review, March 8, 2025

The Homestead Series, inspired by an artist residency at the Homestead National Historic Park, has toured extensively throughout the Midwest to celebrate the signing of the Homestead Act. The series is now in the permanent collection of the National Park Service. at the Homestead National Historical Park, Beatrice, NE. View the Homestead Series HERE.

Judy is the artist who created the covers for the Pioneer Girl series published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press. These four volumes celebrate the life and work of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The first book, Pioneer Girl: The Autobiography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, was a best seller on the New York Times Best Seller List which features the painting, Silver Lake Reflections..

Learn how Judy was chosen as the Pioneer Girl Series artist by the editor of the South Dakota Historical Society Press and the stories behind the art HERE at the Pioneer Girl Project website.