Kelli Folsom & Monte Thompson

 

Meet the Artist Series

23266_2371736w750

                                 Kelli Folsom

“I believe in beauty. I hope that you see the beauty that I see and experience the excitement that I feel through every energetic brushstroke. I hope that my paintings open you up to a whole new appreciation for your world.” -Kelli Folsom

Kelli received a B.F.A. from Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT, the first impressionist colony in the U.S. established in 1899. It is here that she studied traditional life drawing, painting and sculpture with great emphasis on in-depth study and classical techniques and the joy of working in a direct impressionist style in nature. Every still life arrangement is set up in her north light studio and painted directly from life in a matter of one or two sittings.

 She paints directly so that her relationship to the subject is heightened in the moment in order to pass on that perception and experience to the viewer resulting in a painting that looks like a painting and not a photograph. Kelli chooses objects and arrangements to create the most aesthetically beautiful design and a feeling of abundance and intimacy.  These arrangements are influenced by centuries of traditional still life painting from the Dutch Masters of the 1600s  to French Academics of the 1900s.

 Kelli is an award winning artist who at a young age is already exhibiting in museum shows and garnering attention and inclusion in some of the highest organizations in contemporary representational art like Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, American Impressionists Society and Women Artists of the West.

IMG_1236

              Kelli teaching and demonstrating at Genius Loci Umbria, Italy

IMG_1260

          Monte teaching and demonstrating his techniques at Genius Loci Umbria

19260390_1554610484578793_2690772438302406210_n Monte Thompson

Monte’s artwork explores the beauty that surrounds us through visual simplicity, movement of light, and the tension of opposite but complementary qualities.

From his studio in Colorado, Monte works in the painting tradition of Caravaggio where he creates a harmony between chiaroscuro and modern concepts.  Through these concepts, he reinforces the intelligence that underlies all human endeavors.  With a bold and impassioned style, he creates the feeling of order and devotes himself to the greatest beauty in life.

20108553_1582206978485810_755484587194513263_n

23795900_1707275575978949_4126889357130885963_n

Red on yellow, light on dark. Dark on light, yellow on red. These contrasts give drama and unity to the work. La bella figura!

“Apples in Red and Gold”

the two paintings above by Monte Thompson

Kelli and Monte met at art school and both fell in love with art making and each other…and later, with Italy. They conducted an exciting and successful Oil Painting Workshop in July of 2017 at the inspiring and stunningly located Inn –  Genius Loci Umbria  – and, by popular demand, are returning to Umbria to Genius Loci  in November 2018 for their 2nd Workshop during the riotously beautiful, peak foliage season.

p1080665

                  the inspiring fall view from Genius Loci

They are a perfect teaching team as their styles support and complement one another.  Monte’s strong understanding of form, anatomy and spatial design is complemented by Kelli’s grasp of atmosphere, light and intuitive exploration.  His work is currently represented in Arts at Denver Gallery.

 Both Kelli and Monte are exhibiting members of Oil Painters of America.

Kelli Folsom and Monte Thompson are academically trained artists, working exclusively from life in oils. They create museum quality paintings combining an old master feel with rich color and painterly brushstrokes. Their work brings refined beauty of the highest quality that uplifts the soul and is held in the highest esteem by collectors.

20229000_2039183649644984_3528563471280645390_n

                                                                                 painting by Kelli Folsom
18194203_1992445980985418_5734342720459923646_n

 

 19905259_2033075903589092_2607085863970174515_n

 

18301073_1995250197371663_292950566268053039_n23266_2436983w350

17884534_1983106411919375_9065647424467528853_n

above paintings by Kelli Folsom

IMG_1239

                                   painting by Kelli Folsom

Rose Room 2

                                              inviting and comfortable guest rooms at Genius Loci Umbria

sagratino 2

                                                     spacious suite-like guest rooms at Genius Loci

CG SS 9

relax in comfort and beauty at Genius Loci Umbria

21122081_10214626381599688_1177972304_n

               the gorgeous views from Genius Loci inspire painters

IMG_0978

IMG_7034

p1020032_2

Won’t you join us for the exciting November 2018 Workshop at Genius Loci Umbria, Italy.  

Please click here below for more information.

KELLI – MONTE 2018 OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP

MORE STORIES

OUR ROOMS

Our Classic Doubles

The Classic Doubles are normally-sized, beautifully-appointed and furnished and feature lovely lateral views of the surrounding countryside.

Learn More

Our Deluxe Doubles

The Deluxe Doubles are extra-spacious, beautifully-appointed and furnished, suite-like rooms with magnificent, sweeping views and comfortable sitting areas.

Learn More

Our Apartment

This self-catering apartment is available with or without daily breakfast at the Inn and every-fourth-day housekeeping services.

Learn More

TOURS & TASTINGS

Discover all that Genius Loci has to offer.

Learn More
Go to Top