Alma Woodsey Thomas (1891-1976) was born in Georgia and lived and worked in Washington, D.C. She was an art teacher and artist who became known as a major painter of the 20th Century. Her works are part of the collections of major museums and one piece was hung in the White House during the Obama Administration. Her paintings are vibrant, abstract and large scale. Wind, Sunshine and Flowers measures 7’x6’. Her signature style is a pattern of short brush strokes that resemble stitches or mosaic pieces in circles and stripes. I love the mention of wind or clouds or flowers in the almost semi-circle spacings in this piece. Do you see them? What do you think they represent? Maybe just joy!

Alma Woodsey Thomas was wise and faithful. She is often quoted as saying:

Color is joy – the spirit and living soul of the world.

Nature is an extravagant gift from God.

I paint beauty and happiness not man’s inhumanity to man.

Art sings, dances and claps.

These seem words for her lifetime and our own. May we see through her eyes now with energy and gratitude turning again and again to beauty in God’s love and name. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,