Meet Ariel Thompson | First grade teacher and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a small town just North of Portland Maine! Summers were spent on sailboats, and hiking the great outdoors. Winters were spent drawing and cross country skiing! I feel like the long Northeast Winters are definitely part of what put a pencil in my hand. I think it also made me appreciate living in warmer climates. It didn’t take me long to move to Tampa Florida where I met my husband. We now live here in San Diego of course. There is so much color in these warmer places- so much to draw inspiration from. It definitely inspires me as an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want people to feel happy when they look at my bright flowers. I want them to feel joyful memories of camping in Anza Borrego, Joshua Tree or Yosemite when they see my landscapes. I’d say that’s what sets me apart- that my work is intended to be upbeat and colorful. It makes a statement. I have a tendency to compare myself to other artists. I think this can be a slippery slope that many creatives face. I’d say one challenge I’ve had to overcome is putting comparisons aside and just rolling with what I have anyway. As a person who likes recognition but dislikes the spotlight (if that makes sense) it can be nerve wracking to still put my work out there! That being said, for those who do come across my work and support my small business as an acrylic artist, I would want them to know how grateful I am. I paint from the heart. I am always honored to know something I’ve painted hangs in another’s home and is part of their life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ohh man! I literally use close to the same itinerary when friends and family come to visit San Diego! It’s such an incredible place. Here are some must do’s 1. Hike Torrey Pines and eat at the glider port cafe 2. Visit Taco Stand 3. Stroll through South Park 4. Coffee at any or all of these spots: Moe Coffee, Communal, Lofty Coffee Encinitas 5. Watch my husband surf at Blacks beach (maybe attempt surfing… it’s not really my thing though!) 6. Brewery hop through North Park 7. Eat buns from Harumama 8. Salt and Straw in Little Italy 9. Rollerblade the Silver Strand 10. Spend the day beaching and shopping on Corondado And that’s just the San Diego list… I hope my sister reads this so she’ll move here already!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be painting like I am without my amazing husband, Jake! He is my biggest cheerleader and supporter of me following my dreams. Our first Christmas together, Jake bought me a nice easel. Before then, I just painted on the floor or at the kitchen table. Jake has helped me photograph my work, runs out to buy me paint, and even stretches my canvas on his handmade wooden frames. He too is an artist, and is quite talented though he doesn’t market or sell his work. He loves to paint with me as we share a bottle of wine!

Website: Arielspaintings.etsy.com

Instagram: @arielspaintings

Facebook: Arielspaintings

Image Credits
Kelly Dugas