Composing Color Paintings by Alma Thomas at the SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

[@Steven56718]

Great work

[@stepladder13]

Never heard of Alma Thomas before so thanks for introducing me to her work, James. Some of these paintings are stunning; I particularly liked 'Snow Reflections on Pond'. Your close=ups really helped demonstrate the thought that must have gone into them.

[@MikeWitmerNatureJournal]

Very nice work and video

[@darrinheaton4016]

I love the scale of these works, by which I mean the relationship between the size and shape of the constituent marks and the overall size of the supports. These works are luminous and yet solid and opaque at the same time. Thanks for introducing me to this artist!

[@singlespies]

Thanks James!

[@samjgardner]

Great work, didn't know about Alma Thomas! Happy you're back, James. Thanks Kate!

[@mayormc]

Marvelous show of her work. Thrilled to see it.

[@urbangardener66]

So excited to see an Alma Thomas show review. Her paintings have always interested me, but they always appeared deceptively simple, until this show. Thank you JK/LM for you thoughtful and direct descriptions documenting the subtlety that underlies the art. Most definitely a very important artist. And thanks as always Kate!

[@bellascharfenstein]

thank you Alma, JK & Kate!

[@dansmith4984]

and this why it’s so good to have you back James. Wonderful vid

[@randysturgis9635]

Thank you Thank you Thank you James. A wonderful new artist for me. Alma’s art made me fall on the floor and weep at her beautiful vision & work.

[@jameskalm]

I've seen some of her work before, but usually just one or two pieces at a time. This show gave viewers a much better idea of her creative arc, and the ideas and methods she developed...JK

[@randysturgis9635]

@@jameskalm thank you for responding! I was inspired to see if any books are available. One published by: Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, New York, 2001. Alma Thomas: Phantasmagoria Major Paintings from the 1970s. But it very rare and quite expensive. Did the Smithsonian publish any material associated with this stunning exhibition? Seems like that would be timely and important. Thank you again James and I almost forgot…thank you Kate. ❤️

[@TD-qi2rw]

Thank you Kate !

[@anthonymorton3074]

Thanks Kate 🖼️

[@cynthiabaxter4061]

Thanks once again for this gallery viewing of a wonderful artist. I enjoy your musings and the way you film the pieces.

[@dksculpture]

Thanks for sharing. 🙏

[@terenehidia]

😍😍😍

[@tonsfocus]

Love the pairing of "Spring Grass" and the vibrant red one to its left @ 3:54 . "Snow Reflections on Pond" is a minimalist tour de force. Love how she eventually distils her work into mosaic-like paintings. Take good care of yourself James, feel better soon. Thanks Kate.

[@jbb483]

Studied marionettes and puppetry according to Wiki. Very interesting artist/character. Excellent work. Thanks for posting!

[@Akentrophyta]

hope your voice gets better soon (sounds red and sore) and thank you kate. Especially loved the backgrounds on these works. wonderful

[@jameskalm]

@Akentrophyta thanks for your concern. I've been sitting on this piece of video since November thinking I could pair it with something else but...I tested positive for Covid Monday so I decided I'd have time to edit it as a "Feature" and the throat was a bit rough...(sorry)...JK

[@Akentrophyta]

I would watch your videos if you talked like a duck@@jameskalm😁 But am grateful to know you are now well. 🦆 (fellow USAF vet - 1970s)

[@LG-kj5qq]

A lot of really nice paintings. Amazing how you hardly hear of the super talented women artists really all though all of time. Enjoyed Katy Hessels book the History of Art........Without Men. And really it's the same in science and every field. As always - thanks

[@sublimeister9630]

Nice tiled mosaic effect, esp. the ones chromatic background. 👍😊

[@markuslindmark9667]

Thanks....beautiful

[@philippesauvie639]

Her paintings look like tessera and have a luminous quality to them

[@paulaswaydangrebel4126]

Knew of Alma Thomas' paintings from art school (late 80's) but did not have the fine details of her history like you shared today. I find that this show, her work, is of great inspiration. Thank you for sharing. Since you have been her fan for sometime now, can you recommend a good affordable book(s) about her and her work? A favorite book of yours. With great appreciation! Paula

[@jameskalm]

Hey @paulaswaydangrebel4126 Yes, I’ve been a fan for a while, but I’ve gotten most of my information from Wikipedia and wall text at her shows, so I don’t have any recommendations as to a “good affordable book”. There are some good videos you can find online that’ve been produced by the Smithsonian if you have the time. Thanks, and happy New Year…JK

[@paulaswaydangrebel4126]

Thanks! I appreciate your taking the time to reply@@jameskalm and I look forward to checking out those videos. Fun to still be inspired by artists especially after all these years of involvement. Happy 2024 to you as well! Keep on creating, Paula

[@jakarezinho]

this time there is no transcription available in the video, it is difficult to understand all his fabulous comments about the works. Those who do not understand English well use the translation of the video transcriptions.... like me ;)

[@Allenmayesallenmayes]

who gets to be successful ? & who doesnt