A native of Burlington, NC, Tommie majored in elementary education at Elon University with a minor in studio art, and received her master's in middle school education from the University Of North Carolina at Greensboro. Tommie also studied with a number of artists, including Clara Clayton, Vic Gillispie, Jill Troutman, Tim Shepherd and Betty Tyler, and has attended various art workshops. |
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Tommie exhibited artistic talent and received encouragement and
motivation from family and teachers throughout her school years. She paints an
extraordinarily wide range of subject matter in a style that is somewhat impressionistic,
but with attention to detail. She includes a variety of places, events and people in her
work. Acrylics are her primary medium, although she sometimes works in charcoal, oils, and
pastels. Tommie's husband, Bill, and their children, Chip and Elizabeth, provide her with unending encouragement. However, it is her twin grandchildren, Sarah Kate and Cameron, who provide joyful inspiration and are the subjects for much of her art. |
| Artist's Statement | |
| "Art is like a lot of things in life; always something new to learn, challenges to face and risks to take. Hopefully, my work is always changing, evolving and growing. To create and share my art with others is my passion. I love what I do." | |