Ruth Thompson is a native of Ohio.  She attended the University of Alabama,  where she received a BA in graphic design and art history.  “My interest in fantasy was assisted by my mom who brainwashed me throughout my childhood with tales of fairies and goblins and other weird stuff. This influence, along with a steadily growing artistic ability sent me careening into the "phase" (my father's term) of actually drawing this weird stuff.”

     How did I get started? Well, I was playing AD&D with my boyfriend (now husband) in college and started drawing our characters. He saw them and told me that I should be an artist instead of a fish geek (I was in biology), and the rest is history! I really just kind of did what I thought was best at the time - followed my instincts and used good judgement. It's been a wild ride so far, and I'm still having a great time!

     I am also asked what I use to paint my pieces. The short answer is: everything weird. I use watercolors for just about everything - also oils and alkyds for when I need large swaths of color. Art markers do a great job when I have to work fast or if I need to add a quick burst of color on top of some oils. I know, oil and water don't mix, but that's how I do all my large paintings. I'm sure they'll explode into balls of green flame in 50 year for breaking that axiom!