Glenda Thompson-Wathen does all types of art in different styles and techniques suitable for each subject and medium. All her work is from her imagination after research to truly understand the subject. This is why she demonstrates at every opportunity, to show that her "realism" is not copied from photographs. She is widely recognized for her western, Indian and wildlife themes.

She has won numerous ribbons, purchase awards, cash and "Peoples Choice" for painting, sculpture and graphics. Featured in many newspaper, radio, and television interviews, her works are in institutional and private collections throughout the U.S. and foreign countries.

She does free-lance designs and illustrations and has done countless portrait commissions, including a sculptural portrait for The Agricultural Hall of Fame and National Center. She also lectures to groups, teaches workshops and [was] a reporter for Sunshine Artist USA magazine.  It is the nations’ largest trade magazine for exhibiting artists and craftsmen.

Glenda Thompson-Wathen's interest in art was apparent at the early age of four when she drew a nude on the sidewalk with chalk. her grandmother was the most severe critic Glenda has encountered to this date; because she accentuated her criticism with a switch from the lilac bush. But that did not discourage her interest in depicting all sort of nature and wildlife. A couple of years later Grandma gave the same type of review to Glenda's attempt at interior decorating. Glenda decided the formal living room, which was all dark green with a wine red velvet sofa and chair, needed an accent piece. So she painted Grandma's 3-ft. tall elephant-ear plant all pink.

Throughout her childhood Glenda was fortunate to have all the animal friends of which most children dream. Every sick, injured, or orphaned animal found haven, including birds requiring food twenty-four hours a day, a lame jackrabbit, a mischievous raccoon that decided to be a house pet the rest of her life and a crippled duck that could run with his kinfolk in a special leg and foot brace she made for him. Surrounded by everything from coyotes to squirrel monkeys, she developed an understanding of animals and nature.

Although she remembers the family stories, and her earliest drawings included Indians, it was later that she became interested in her Indian heritage from both her mothers and fathers’ ancestors. Perhaps that is why many of her works depicting Native Americans seem to have a "special" quality and have earned many honors. All of her scenes include people or animals. No matter how lovely the landscape, she feels that it has no feeling until there is a living creature in it, then she feels she is really a part of the scene.

Glenda and her husband, Jerry, have a very busy schedule year round. They travel throughout Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma to exhibit and have private showings in Missouri and other states. Exhibiting in about 36 shows a year, plus one-woman shows, private receptions, etc.  From the age of two, their son, Derek, traveled with them everywhere.  They enjoyed the traveling and the experiences they shared as a family.  Derek now has two sons, Samuel Alden and Michael Avery, to hopefully, carry on the tradition, attending events and enjoying the beautiful friendships they form with the artists and people they meet all over the country.  For five years this activity coincided perfectly with Glenda's position on the staff of the nation's largest national monthly magazine for exhibiting artists and craftsmen, Sunshine Artist USA*. As state reporter she reviewed all art shows she attended and her column appeared in the magazine every month.

Although she is unwilling to take any time from her work for clubs or social activities, Glenda also has served on the board of, and as advisor to, several art organizations, including as Regional Representative for the International Society of Artists, Mid-America Arts & Crafts Association, Community Art Guild, the Augusta Arts Council, South Oklahoma City Art Association (SOCAA), and was for several years the program chairman for the ElDorado Art Association. This was a very enjoyable job because she meets all the most skilled artists and it was a pleasure to invite them to appear before the group of very appreciative members.

Glenda does extensive research to guarantee accuracy, but all of her work is from imagination so everything she renders is original. Wathen has won top awards from her very first competitions, for all subject matter, in all media. She has done many important commissions including a portrait sculpture for the Agricultural Hall of Fame and National Center, giving lectures and demonstrations, and teaching workshops.

Copyright © Glenda Thompson Wathen 2002 - Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution of images and/or content is strictly prohibited.  Offenders  will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.