Her style is invariably described as "eclectic," as she is equally intrigued by the challenge of creating highly realistic images as she is inclined to let her subconscious guide her toward unusual, semiabstract pieces and collages.
Elisabeth Thomson divides her time between painting in her studio in Fitzroy Harbour, a small village in west Ottawa, and teaching at an elementary school in Ottawa.
She began studying art at the age of 14 when she entered the four-year art course at Commerce High School in Ottawa. Shortly afterward, Elisabeth sold pencil portraits on commission while managing a small art gallery in Hull, Quebec.
Elisabeth went on to further her artistic training, taking various fine and commercial arts courses at Algonquin College, the Ottawa School of Art and the Haliburton School of Fine Arts. She also earned a B.A. in English Literature from Trent University, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. She has been teaching and painting extensively since then.
Elisabeth is fascinated by the images which surround her and is often overwhelmed by the number of ideas that strike her as she drives through the Ottawa Valley and in her travels to such places as B.C., New England, Florida, Mexico, Spain and Portugal.
She has had a number of successful private showings and regularly does commission work in acrylic and watercolour for clients in Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Some of her paintings can be seen at The Train Station Gallery, 132 Coleman St., Carleton Place, Ontario. Starting in July, 2011, her work will also be on display at Brush Strokes Gallery, 129 Bridge St, Carleton Place.