Sonya Thomas

Artist’s Statement

I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors. Growing up in Minnesota, I recall from a young age being enchanted with the many moods of nature that unfold each day. My daily hikes allow me to emotionally absorb the sense of place each location has to offer. I bring along my camera to take reference photos to work from. I find that immersion in nature brings about a peaceful state of mind that I’d like to share with others through my paintings. This drive coupled with my lifelong appreciation of art has inspired me to honor the beauty and spirit of nature with the rich and vivid medium of pastels.

Pastels are made of pure pigment held together with a binder; it’s truly paint in its purest form. Because of their immediacy, they’re rewarding to work with. They are capable of producing incredibly rich and vibrant colors as well as capturing the soft and translucent features that are all part of nature. They’re perfect for my paintings.

I was awarded Hoosier Women Artist by the Indiana Lieutenant Governor in 2013, 2016 and 2017. My paintings have been exhibited locally and regionally; including numerous juried shows, art fairs, galleries and businesses.