Artist Bob Tompkins demonstrated his techniques for painting abstract art in oil during the Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild meeting Thursday.

More than 30 BRAG members and friends enjoyed his easy-going sometimes comical and always personal teaching style while watching an original abstract take shape under his skilled brush strokes and palette knife.

Tompkins is what most, if not all, would call a true southern artist, according to BRAG president Sue Minter. This assessment is made evident by his oil paintings of the simple treasures of the South. His subjects may vary from the simplicity of a blue canning jar one might find in a grandmother’s pantry to the white tail buck deer that roams the Mississippi woods.

An art teacher for 50 years, Tompkins earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education and his Master’s Degree in Art Education from Delta State University.

He has studied under artists Cleve Miller and Courtenay Hunte, both of whom had a profound impact on Tompkins. He taught in the public schools of Greenville before moving to Jackson and eventually founding the Bob Tompkins Studio in 2000.

“We are so fortunate to have an artist of Bob’s caliber in our state,” said Minter, “and to have him visit with us today is a special treat.”

Minter went on to say that though abstract is not every artist’s ‘cup of tea’ it gives one a new perspective on how to use color on a canvas to tell a different type of story. Tompkins, she said, is a master storyteller with oil paint.

BRAG members are working toward having a two-day workshop with Tompkins later in the summer. The location, date and time will be announced later.

The theme of the May meeting was “flowers,” and several artists brought photos or paintings of their favorite flowers. The winner and “Artist of the Month” for May was BRAG member Amy Greer.

The members enjoyed a light supper and fellowship during a break before Tompkins concluded his demonstration.

The date of next month’s meeting will be announced through the BRAG newsletter. Any questions about BRAG or Tompkins can be directed to Minter at (601) 757-8550.