Author: nick

Nicholas Thompson is an Artist and Piano playing guy who is currently living in Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, Planet Earth USAAfter years of many visits to Finland and neighboring Russia Nick recently brought home the best souvenir of all time—his lovely new wife Svetlana. They live happily in Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, MA with there new born daughter Ekaterina. Every few years they make the trip to the family's wooded dacha in northern Russia. Nick is also still a piano player, sometimes putting on his suit and playing solo in a local Saloon.Visit Nick's website @ https://nicholasthompsonartworks.comhttps://nicholasthompsonartworks.com/nicksdigitalpaintings/https://nicholasthompsonartworks.com/architectural-graphics-art/Worldwide Copyright © nicholasthompsonartworks.com

Sandy Neck “Village”

Posted on March 7, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor

Sandy Neck “Village” is designated as a Cultural Historical District because of the many antique dune shacks and cottages, including the Sandy Neck Lighthouse. The mission of the Sandy Neck Program is to provide recreational opportunities and access to our town’s citizens and visitors while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources on Sandy Neck so that a long term, sustainable balance between use and conservation of these resources is achieved. (source – http://www.townofbarnstable.us/sandyneckpark/AboutSandyNeck.aspx)

Sandy Neck

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Family “KOT”

Posted on March 4, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, MyBlog, nta, Russian Landscape

Here is our Family “KOT”. The Russian word for Cat is “KOT”.

“It is different. Russian word for cat is kot (the k and t sounds are different from those of english). in armenian cat is katu again k and t are different from that of english . Cat kot katu . These words are not the same, but they are similar. Anyway all these languages are indoeuropean. / written by Mihr Aharuni, An Armenian from Diaspora.”

Family "KOT"

Svetlana across the River Neva

Posted on March 4, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, Russian Landscape

Svetlana across the River Neva.

“The Neva (Russian: Нева́, IPA: [nʲɪˈva]) is a river in northwestern Russia flowing from Lake Ladoga through the western part of Leningrad Oblast (historical region of Ingria) to the Neva Bay of the Gulf of Finland. Despite its modest length of 74 kilometres (46 mi), it is the fourth largest river in Europe in terms of average discharge (after the Volga, the Danube and the Rhine).” (source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Svetlana across the River Neva

Given Name EKATERINA

Posted on February 22, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta

“Given Name EKATERINA – GENDER: Feminine – USAGE: Bulgarian, Macedonian, Russian – OTHER SCRIPTS: Екатерина (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Russian)
PRONOUNCED: ye-kah-tye-REE-nah (Russian), ee-kah-tee-REE-nah (Russian)   [key] – Meaning & History – Bulgarian and Macedonian form of KATHERINE, and a variant Russian transcription of YEKATERINA.” (source http://www.behindthename.com/name/ekaterina)
Given Name EKATERINA

Hermitage Horses

Posted on February 22, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, Russian Landscape

Hermitage Horses. “The Hermitage is comprised of two big sections – the Winter Palace, which was the living apartments and state rooms for the Russian imperial family, and the “Hermitage,” rooms built for the art collections. Catherine the Great knew that good art reflected well on the Russian monarchy, so she collected big time, especially paintings of Western Europe. In the Hermitage, kids will see so many fabulous paintings in the original.” (source https://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Russia/hermitagemuseum.htm)

Hermitage Horses

Our marriage in Russia

Posted on February 17, 2017 by - Barnstable Harbor, Family, nta, Russian Landscape

Our marriage in Russia is official. It might sound funny to anyone who has never come face to face with Russian burocracy. Marriage in Russia is one of the easiest things to accomplish. But only a state marriage is considered official. Here we are throwing snow up in the air in Leningrad – Saint Petersburg to prove it!

Our marriage in Russia

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Posted on February 17, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, Russian Landscape

Construction of the stone Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin began in 1500 with the building of the Ivanovo Tower; the main work commenced in 1508 and by 1515 a grandiose building was completed. The oak walls that formed the old fortifications were destroyed by a huge fire in 1513. (source Wikipedia)

Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

Finnish Sauna

Posted on February 16, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, Finland, nta

Finnish Sauna

“The Finnish sauna is a substantial part of Finnish culture. There are five million inhabitants and over three million saunas in Finland – an average of one per household. For Finnish people the sauna is a place to relax with friends and family, and a place for physical and mental relaxation as well. Finns think of saunas not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Before the rise of public health care and nursery facilities, almost all Finnish mothers gave birth in saunas.” (source Wikipedia)

koryushka fish

Posted on February 16, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta, Russian Landscape

Koryushka FishThe body of the koryushka fish (European smelt) is typically 15 to 18 cm long, slender and slightly flattened on either side. Larger fish may reach 30 cm in length. Smelts have a slightly translucent body. The back and sides are grey-green to pink in colour, the flanks bright silver. The tailfin has a dark border. The smelt lives for up to six years. One characteristic is its intense smell, reminiscent of fresh cucumbers. (source Wikipedia)

Hammock in Fiji

Posted on February 16, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Fiji, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta

This Hammock in Fiji was just outside the beach front bungalow I lived in for 11 days in 2011.Hammock in Fiji

Russian Carrots

Posted on February 15, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, Russian Landscape

Russian Carrots are one of the worlds healthiest foods. There’s some truth that carrots are good for your eyes. (Ok – I’m not web MD – but Yoast has instructed me to be more articulate.) Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Carrots are good for your eyes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene. Enjoy a Russian Carrot Platter!

the shack across the path

Posted on January 23, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, Russian Landscape

This shack is across the dirt path from my wife’s Russian dacha. Started this painting using sketching fundamentals. Then with auto painting in painter 2017, oily blender, born bristles and soft glazing. After the auto painting I overlayed the freehand sketching fundamental. Hmm like oil and water. My freehand sketching fundamental does not match the cloned auto painting. But so much fun, Ill take it!

the shack across the path

Barn

Posted on January 19, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta, Russian Landscape

I first saw this beautiful barn in Russia near my in laws family home a few years back. Walking around the neighborhood. I was soon wanting to buy it. Our friend a-local real estate expert said the asking price was about 80’000 US dollars. It is still on the market today four years later. No Water, electricity or snow plowing several miles away from the nearest road.  Still a great deal!

BarnBarn

Snowy wood barns

Posted on January 11, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta, Russian Landscape

Snowy wood barns are in a secret spot somewhere where no one can find. I have looked and have never found these snowy wood barns. Painted from a dream.Snowy wood barns

Imaginary winter-scape

Posted on January 1, 2017 by - Art Cape Cod, nta, Russian Landscape

Imaginary winter-scape was painted following along closely with a video tutorial by Karen Bonaker of the Digital Art Academy. It is hard for me to follow instructions without wandering off on some tangent. Im very excited about this new technique Karen is showing us in Painter 2017.Imaginary winter-scape

more dacha flowers

Posted on December 28, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, nta, Russian Landscape

Every where one looks there are more dacha flowers. Every corner of this tiny piece of land explodes with beauty every July. Every other corner is crammed with fresh growing scallions, carrots, tomato’s and potatoes. This is great spot to eat fresh salads every day. This place with more dacha flowers is a great spot on this planet.

more dacha flowers

Russian snow market

Posted on December 24, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, nta, Russian Landscape

Last year my wife took a photo of this Russian snow market. This week I turned it into this painting. I’m not sure Russian snow market really exist. But it sounds good so I’m going with it. I added the snow storm.

Russian snow market

Kartusha’s first Christmas 

Posted on December 17, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, MyBlog, nta

Our baby girl Kartusha is 11 months old today. This will be Kartusha’s first Christmas. She has her own Christmas tree. Today she picked out a wooden toy train at the local toy store. Again painted in Painter 2017 I used the new glazing brushes and both new texture categories. I also took all my own source photos except for Santa. Kartusha giggles constantly and makes life so nice!!!!!

Kartusha's first Christmas

3 seasonal landscapes

Posted on December 8, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, MyBlog, Russian Landscape

Not sure if these 3 seasonal landscapes are Russian or American. Not sure if Figaro is Italion, Russian, American or some one else? But sounds nice tonight.

Nick’s Shop

Posted on December 4, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, http://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks, MyBlog, nta

Christmas logo for Nick’s Shop. The text was created using the 3D module in photoshop. The painting was created using the texture cover brushes in painter 2017.

Visit Nick’s Shop @ https://www.redbubble.com/people/ntartworks/shop

Nick's Shop

something different

Posted on November 29, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Fooling Around, MyBlog

This is something different. A study using clip art and the texture cloning brush variants in Painter 2017.

Hmm not sure if I like it. But I hope some of you do? Lots of possibilities with this technique!

something different

flowering russian weeds

Posted on November 26, 2016 by - MyBlog, nta, Russian Landscape

These flowering Russian weeds are abundant in the mother land. Locals snarl and growl as these local weeds overtake every meter. The damn things are everywhere and really difficult to control. In reality these Russian weeds are incredibly beautiful.

flowering russian weeds

priozersk landscape

Posted on November 24, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, MyBlog, nta, Russian Landscape

This priozersk landscape was painted digitally using Corel Painter 2017. Priozersk is a small town 3 hours north of Saint Petersburg Russia where my “photo smudged wife” is from.

This priozersk landscape was painted digitally using Corel Painter 2017. Priozersk is a small town 3 hours north of Saint Petersburg Russia where my wife is from.

my photo smudged wife

Posted on November 21, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, MyBlog, nta

My photo smudged wife was painted in corel painter 2017. She is always a happy available model as she was on this summer day. I think I really “blew her nose” however!

My photo smudged wife

Kartusha fall afternoon Cape Cod

Posted on November 11, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, Uncategorized

Kartusha fall afternoon Cape Cod. Almost 10 months old. Life is good. Painted in Painter 2017. Photo smudged her cute little face.

Kartusha fall afternoon Cape Cod

imaginary seascape

Posted on October 30, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Uncategorized

This imaginary seascape was created using Corel Painter 2017. This program has a very tough learning curve. After you get past all the technical crap Painter 2017 requires one to learn the fun begins. This imaginary seascape was created with a simple 2b pencil and the new glazing brush variants.

imaginary seascape

Pear Winifred

Posted on October 2, 2016 by - Fooling Around, MyBlog, nta, Uncategorized

Im not sure I like this pear Winifred, but really having fun learning the Source and Cover Texture brushes – And remebering how you taught us to paint pears when we had no creative juices flowing – xxx always

 

pear Winifred

Shoe

Posted on October 2, 2016 by - Fooling Around, MyBlog, nta, Uncategorized

I painted this shoe out of frustration with all the crashes in Painter 2017. I painted this shoe in Rebelle a great watercolor program out of eastern europe somewhere. Years ago to be allowed to be a lowly student at RISD one had to draw a shoe, a bicycle and another contraption that I forget this second. And some anonymous jury would decide your future. Oh sh…… Wish I was on the admissions committee at RISD – I would admit myself again with a full scholarship!!!! and maybe a few of u!!!!

shoe

cape beach umbrella and fiji sunset

Posted on September 24, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, MyBlog, nta

Cape cod beach umbrella and fiji sunset.

Learning the ins and outs of Painter 2017.

Pushing colors to a limit beyond the comfort zone of most human beings.

And having so much fun doing it!

 

cape beach umbrella and fiji sunset

flowering pet plum tree

Posted on September 14, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, nta

Here is a portrait of my flowering pet plum tree. I call this painting my flowering pet plum tree portrait as it was painted for an on line class about “Pet Portraits”. Digital Art Academy (DAA). I don’t have a pet. This guy flowers for about one week a year just outside our house here on cape cod as I walk bare foot to our outdoor shower. Like to make sure we are home that week every spring.

Loving this photo blending technique even though I thought it would be a bit like cheating but happy it is not as bad as doctoring someones will!

https://nicholasthompsonartworks.com/myfatherarchitectbenjamincthompson/#.V9nPwzswfXg

flowering pet plum tree

Half tide rising

Posted on September 10, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, MyBlog, nta

Half tide rising continues continuously here on cape cod and all over this planet. So many painterly scenes waiting for an artist to describe visually. This is just one of them here on cape cod in Provincetown a few years back.

Half tide rising

Sandy Neck Dune

Posted on September 7, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Fooling Around, MyBlog, nta

Just another Sandy Neck Dune. Many nice moments. So happy this is my semi private spot.

Damn all you 30 to 100 thousand dollar motorboat tourists who invade us every calm day in July and August! My $900 12 foot aluminum motor boat is just fine on a splashy atlantic ocean day and can be lifted up by one drunk idiot – me! The best moments in life have been spent here in Barnstable Harbor. So happy this spot is ours. Why don’t you all learn that the tides go up and down by 12 feet twice a day – idiots!! Don’t get calmed, just open your eyes and watch the tide line!

Sandy Neck Dune

some random guy

Posted on September 2, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, MyBlog, nta

My last trip home from Russia some guy sat down behind me on jam packed crowded Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Boston. I had just made my connection from Saint Petersburg. Some random guy sat next to a young pretty thing one seat behind me. I was jealous, (even though I was newly married). He chatted away to her for almost the entire seven hour flight. I could not sleep because of his chatter. Learned all of his secrets and that he was a married MIT professor. When the plane landed and we were debarking I turned around and said hello to him and the pretty young thing. He ignored me and looked down his long nose, did not acknowledge me.

He quickly turned away from my face and looked down his short cute nose at the young pretty thing and said “funny what some random guy will say!”

From that moment on I have felt like “some random guy” on this planet!

someguy

one & a half russians

Posted on August 29, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, MyBlog, nta, Russian Landscape

This painting includes one & a half russians. Grandpa is visiting from the “motherland”.  Kartushka is 7 months old, in control of us all. She is half Russki, half Amaeriskanski. Hope you all will wish her luck on this planet?

 Kola&Ekat.3

Mudflat party the other day here on cape cod

Posted on August 25, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Barnstable Harbor, Family, MyBlog, nta

Muddy sand flats-sun-tide going down – every second here on cape cod is another painting waiting for you all to paint! here is Nick’s todays attempt (ps I dont work for the chamber of commerce here)

NicksInkyTwo.1-2

abstract self portrait

Posted on August 19, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, Family, MyBlog, nta, Uncategorized

This is a theme and variation on an abstract self portrait I did in about 2 minutes the other day. Started on an I pad-pro using Paint-storm. And then took the image into Corel painter 2017 and used the new interactive gradient tool. So much fun.

abstract self portrait

abstract self portrait

abstract self portrait

abstract self portrait

Great Marsh Sailboat

Posted on August 15, 2016 by - Uncategorized

“Great Marsh Sailboat” is a digital watercolor painting of a peaceful scene not far from our Barnstable home. If only we could knock down a few houses and cut down a few trees this would be the view out our living-room window. But instead we have a beautiful view of Old Kings Highway, better known as Route 6A.

Marsh8-14-2016

Watercolor Canoe

Posted on August 5, 2016 by - Art Cape Cod, nta

Watercolor Canoe is my latest attempt at digital painting using Corel painter 2016. The source image was taken in Provincetown Massachusetts several falls ago. I am pleased with my progress but there is lots of room for improvement. A bit muddy and a bit to much paper texture. Soon I will nail it.

Ptown8-03-2016