Biography (page 2)

Charles J. Thompson GAvA; ASAA; MGMA; EAA:

After leaving school in 1949, I joined the Ford Motor Company as a trainee draughtsman. I did my mandatory two years National Service in the RAF from 1955 to 1956 and upon rejoining Ford, I transferred to the Styling Department, where I spent the next 30 years designing automobiles including the MkI Cortina, the Corsair and the MkIV Zephyr/Zodiac. I took early retirement in 1986 in order to devote all my time to painting. Although I spent my working life in the car industry, aviation was my first and only love, ever since childhood. Not only designing, building & flying models, but also drawing & sketching them. However, it was not till 1978 that I began to paint seriously in oils.

In 1981 I joined the Guild of Aviation Artists (GAvA) and the following year I was elected an Associate Member. Two years later in 1984, I was elected a Full Member of the GAvA. I was Press and Publicity Officer for five years and then Chairman from 1997 to 1999. I was also Chairman of the Annual Exhibition Sub Committee for the 1999 annual exhibition. I exhibit in every one of the Guild's annual London exhibitions and have won several awards including the Wilkinson Sword Poignard in 1983, the Roy Nockolds Trophy in 1989, the Qantas Trophy in 2000 and Commendation Awards in 1998 & 1999.

In 1986 I helped Found the Guild of Motoring Artists (GMA) .

In 1988, I was elected an Artist Fellow of the American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA). I exhibit in all the annual exhibitions winning numerous awards including "Best of Show - British Artist" in 1991; the "Founder's Award" in 1993, 1996 & 2002; "Merit Awards" in 1995, 1996, 1997 & 2004; AW&ST 2nd Place Military Aviation in 2001; 1st Place - General Aviation in 2002; 2nd Place General Aviation and the prestigious "James V. Roy Award" for the best painting in show in 1999 & 2003. My wife and I enjoy attending the annual forums and exhibitions.

I am a member of the Canadian Aviation Artists Association (CAAA) winning awards in their exhibitions in 2001, 2002, & 2004.

I became a Master Artist of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1992 after winning 4 Par Excellence awards in two consecutive years.

I twice entered work for the SimuFlite aviation art exhibition & competitions winning a Merit Award in 1995 and the 2nd Prize in 1996.

Pan Books Ltd. published my book "Wings" (50 WWII aircraft paintings) and I consistently have my work published in numerous aviation history books and magazines.

My main interests lie in the production of work for both aviation & non-aviation art exhibitions, on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Royal Institute of Oil Painters' annual exhibition in London. Although I accept commissions, the mass production of lithograph prints is not to my liking. Much of my work is held in private collections worldwide.

In all my work, my prime objectives has always been to paint what pleases me and to capture the effects of light in my work.