Alma Thomas

We authenticate, certify, issue certificates of authenticity (COA), appraise the value and broker the sale of paintings and drawings by Alma THOMAS.

American

Born in 1891, Columbus, Georgia, USA.

Died in 1978, Washington, D.C., USA, aged 86.

She spent most of her life in the United States, particularly in Washington, D.C., where she became an influential figure in the Washington Colour School. She also briefly lived in New York City during her studies and early career.

Typical Subject Matter:

Alma Thomas is best known for her abstract paintings, particularly those inspired by nature and her surroundings. She painted primarily abstract representations of the natural world, including gardens, flowers, and skies, using vibrant colours and patterns. Throughout her career, Thomas developed a distinctive style that often incorporated geometric patterns, bold colour contrasts, and rhythmic repetitions.

In her later works, she explored the use of colour and light in a way that transformed landscapes into dynamic, vibrant compositions. Some of her most iconic paintings were inspired by her own garden. She also painted works inspired by outer space, particularly after the moon landing in 1969, creating works that reflected her fascination with the cosmos and the broader universe.

Typical Style:

Alma Thomas is renowned for her expressive use of colour, particularly her exploration of bright, contrasting hues and bold geometric shapes. Her style evolved from more representational forms to completely abstract works, where colour and form became the dominant elements.

Visually, Thomas’s works are marked by layered, fragmented shapes, creating a rhythmic, mosaic-like quality. Her use of brushstroke technique often left visible marks, creating a sense of texture and energy in her paintings. The circles, rectangles, and triangular shapes in her later works suggest movement, while her use of vibrant, contrasting colours – such as reds, oranges, greens, and blues – evokes a sense of warmth and vitality. Her works typically bear a rich, material texture.

Typical Material and Media:

Alma Thomas primarily worked in acrylic on canvas. Thomas also worked with watercolours and oil earlier in her career.

Although she was known primarily for her paintings, Thomas also created works on paper and cardboard, where she used collage techniques to build compositions from smaller pieces of colour and texture.

If you own a painting or a drawing by or attributed to Alma THOMAS, we would like to learn about it. Please send us photos or contact us at [email protected]. You will generally receive a response within 24 hours.