Meet Our 2025 Juror
Silas Thompson
Silas Thompson was raised in Idaho where his passion for drawing and painting was instilled at an early age. Encouraged by his parents and manifest by the filling of countless sketchbooks and refrigerator magnets. His inspiration for what he paints today was instilled in him at a young age also during annual backpacking trips with his father. It was being in the remote wilderness that Silas began to treasure the distinct birthmarks and icons of beautiful rivers, valleys, and mountains that carve through the high desert and vast farmlands of the West. His desire to create work that evokes a memory continues to be a driving force pushing Silas to be innovative and to look for new ways to create the illusion of solidity, time, and emotion.
Silas earned an Associate’s Degree in art, credits his career to largely being propelled by apprenticeships with two professional artists who were incredibly giving and supportive. Silas believes, while not uniquely of him, that persistence and determination are some of the most important aspects of his artistic process; more so than skill, education, or genius. After college he continued his education by strengthening his fundamentals and work ethic in painting through five years of apprenticeships. He would be remiss to not to give credit to his beautiful wife and friend, Bianca, from whom he receives his greatest support.
https://www.silasthompsonfineart.com/
2-Day Plein Air Painting Workshop
Join accomplished plein air painter Silas Thompson for an immersive two-day workshop designed to deepen your skills and sharpen your artistic vision.
Wed Oct 8 | 8am-12pm
Day 1: Painting in the Field
Step into the landscape and experience the joy of painting en plein air. Silas will guide students through his process for selecting a scene, capturing natural light, and working efficiently outdoors. With hands-on instruction and individual feedback, participants will develop stronger observational techniques and increase their confidence in working directly from nature. Location TBD. Supply list will be provided soon.
Thur Oct 9 | 1pm-4pm
Day 2: Studio Composition & Painting Principles
The second day shifts indoors for a focused exploration of composition, value structure, and the foundational principles of painting. Silas will share insights into how to refine field studies into stronger finished works, offering critiques and demonstrations to help students push their plein air practice further. Location: Executive Board Room, Hilton Garden Inn
Open to all skill levels, this workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most dynamic plein air artists during the inspiring setting of the Eagle Plein Air Festival.
Cost: $200