More about Carla

Carla Thomson is an accomplished oil painter and ceramic artist whose work embodies organic elegance and timeless sophistication. Inspired by nature’s effortless balance of beauty and form, she creates paintings and ceramics that merge artistry with purpose, elevating everyday spaces with a refined yet deeply personal touch.

Her artistic journey began 26 years ago with whimsical murals for her children’s nurseries, a creative spark that evolved into commissioned works, fine art paintings, and a passion for ceramics. Despite earning a BA in Fine Art and developing a flourishing art practice, Carla devoted over 25 years to a career in technology before embracing her dream of full-time artistry in 2018. She founded Carla Thomson Art as a space to create work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant—pieces designed to inspire, connect, and enrich the lives of collectors.

Carla’s paintings focus on the striking simplicity of floral studies and atmospheric landscapes, where depth, mood, and light create an immersive experience. Her ceramic work mirrors this approach, integrating textures and patterns drawn directly from nature—impressions of flower buds, twigs, and stone surfaces—to ensure that each piece carries the essence of the organic world. Functionality and beauty are inseparable in her creations, whether it’s a sculptural serving dish or a moody, evocative floral painting. Her work invites collectors to surround themselves with art that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.

Carla’s work is held in private collections across the U.S. and Europe, sought after by those who appreciate craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the quiet luxury of intentional artistry. Sharing her work is both an honor and a joy—each piece represents a moment of transformation, where nature, emotion, and timeless design converge.

Beyond the studio, Carla finds inspiration in travel, culture, and the art of fine living. A lover of all things French, she is drawn to European history, architecture, and the charm of artisan markets, where curated, one-of-a-kind treasures await discovery. Italian cuisine is her go-to, often paired with a glass of Cabernet from Bordeaux or California. Museums hold a special place in her heart, from renowned institutions like The Met and the Philadelphia Museum of Art to intimate gems such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner, Florence Griswold, and RISD museums. Being from Rhode Island, she also cherishes walks along the coastline, whether the rocky shores or fine sand beaches.

Each of these passions informs her work, shaping a creative practice that is both deeply rooted in nature and enriched by the beauty of the world around her.

Notable Highlights

Education

  • B.A. in Studio Art (Graphic Design & Photography) – Rhode Island College, 1991

Selected Exhibitions & Public Art

  • 2024: New Works (Three-Person Exhibit), Providence Art Club, RI

  • 2024: Public Art Installation, Hope Health RI, RI Public Art Works

  • 2024: Public Art Installation, Women & Infants, Providence, RI

  • 2024: Big Pictures Show, Winter Members Exhibit, Fall Members Exhibit – Providence Art Club, RI

  • 2023: Up Close & Personal, Wickford Art Association, RI

  • 2023: Community Matters, Art League RI, Pawtucket, RI

  • 2023: RISCA Art Exhibit & Sale, RI Home Show

  • 2017: Landscapes, Real or Imagined, Wickford Art Association, RI

  • 2016: Studio of Her Own, Lyn Art Gallery, Smithfield, RI

  • 2016: Fakes & Forgeries, Spring Bull Gallery, Newport, RI

Juried Shows

  • Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018

  • Annual Spring Lenox Art Walk, Lenox, MA – 2024

  • Virtu Art Festival, Westerly, RI – 2024

  • Glastonbury On the Green Art Festival, CT – 2023

  • Narragansett Art Festival, RI – 2023, 2021, 2019

  • Creative Arts Festival, Chatham, MA – 2022, 2021

  • Roseland Cottage Fine Arts Festival, Woodstock, CT – 2022, 2019

  • Paradise City Arts Festival, MA – 2019 (Fully Engaged), 2018 (Pattern Play)

Recognition & Awards

  • 2024: Accepted as an Exhibiting Artist Member – Providence Art Club

  • 2019: Award of Excellence – Manhattan Arts International

  • 2016: Finalist, Richeson75 International Still Life & Floral

  • 2016: Best in Show, Studio of Her Own – Lyn Art Gallery, RI

Collections

Carla’s work is held in private collections across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, including notable locations in:

  • Baton Rouge, LA – 2024

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany – 2024

  • Sooke, Canada – 2024

  • Olympia, WA – 2023

  • The Netherlands – 2022

  • Edinburgh, UK – 2021

  • Hong Kong – 2020

  • France – 2019

  • Albuquerque, NM – 2018

  • Alexandria, VA – 2017

  • Providence, RI – 2016

  • Houston, TX – 2015

  • Los Angeles, CA – 2014

  • Lexington, KY – 2012