Aaron M. Thompson

Aaron M. Thompson is a full-time Assistant Professor in the Fine Art / Foundation Department at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D), where he teaches drawing and painting. He is also an active professional painter and educational lecturer for Gamblin Artist Colors, contributing to art education across institutions.

Education:

• BFA in Illustration, Savannah College of Art and Design
• MFA in Painting, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where he was awarded the Merit Scholarship

Thompson’s research and artistic interests center on painting and drawing, with a focus on oil painting techniques, color theory, and visual perception. His work explores formal composition, light, and material practices in painting. He has exhibited at prominent venues including PAFA’s Samuel M. V. Hamilton Museum, the Charles DeMuth Museum, and the Provincetown Art Association Museum, and is represented by Drawing Room Gallery in Greenwich, CT.

Though no formal publications are listed, his public lectures and writings reflect deep engagement with artistic practice, historical influences such as Morandi and Diebenkorn, and pedagogical approaches to visual arts. His residency at the Barnes Artist Residency in Umbria, Italy (2014) further underscores his commitment to immersive artistic development.

Awards and Recognition:

• Merit Scholarship, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Thompson advises students in studio art practice and contributes to art education through both teaching and outreach. He has no listed grants in the provided text but maintains an active studio practice in Lancaster, PA, and collaborates with Gamblin Artist Colors to promote best practices in painting. His work bridges academic instruction and professional art practice, emphasizing material literacy and observational depth.

Professional Affiliations and Activities:

• Educational Lecturer, Gamblin Artist Colors (Mid-Atlantic Region)
• Artist-in-Residence, Barnes Artist Residency, Umbria, Italy (2014)
• Represented by Drawing Room Gallery, Greenwich, CT