Biography

Avril Thomas, born in Malaysia, has enjoyed a lifetime of drawing and until 1996 it was essentially was a private pursuit. Whilst living in Queensland Avril’s talent was recognised and was asked to teach.

On returning to South Australia she has participated in many joint and solo, local, national and international exhibitions, she is a full time practicing Artist.

Her main focus is portraiture in charcoal, graphite, pastel and oil, all with a tonal realist style. Avril’s original art works can be found in Hong Kong, U.S.A. as well as round Australia in corporate and private collections.

Prints of her works are available globally.

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Career Highlights

• Entering the 2004 Archibald Prize with a portrait of Prof. Michael Tyler. “The Frog Man”
• The portrait of Alexander Downer, “The Minister from Downunder” for the 2005 Archibald Prize, made Avril a finalist.
• Commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, Governor of South Australia
• Commissioned by Flinders University to paint Vice Chancellor Anne Edwards
• A retrospective exhibition and unveiling of Premier of South Australia Mike Rann’s portrait “The Big Boys Toys”
• Artist in residence at Flinders Medical Centre – a marathon of paintings and drawings of the staff in the Operating Theatres for a solo exhibition (42 pieces) “Theatre Works“
• Commissioned by Adelaide University School of Medicine to paint and draw key people in the Medical profession for the 125th Anniversary of the school exhibition another marathon effort – “A day in the life exhibition” 59 images were created for this exhibition.
• Commissioned by Monash University to paint a suite of portraits for the faculty of Science and  J. L. (Les) Williams portrait for the School of Physics
• Portrait of Bazil Hetzel portrait “The Remedy” now on display at the Bazil Hetzel institute. Was used by the great man himself at Uni SA’s exhibition to celebrate his achievements May 2012
• Exhibitint  in  Women Painting Women  a major exhibition of portraiture in traditional oil painting and bronze sculpture. Award winning realist painters Nationally in Australia participated.
• Commissioned by Jayco Australia and NZ to paint Gerry Ryan OAM 
• Included in Arts Curriculum for Seymour College students at Magpie Springs 2yrs  –  Sculpture, photography
• Hosting Magpie Springs Photographic Competition  for 4 yrs
• Commissioned by Scotch College to paint Principal John Newton 
• Commissioned by Immanuel College to paint Principal Kevin Richardson

Corporate / Business Collections

All that and More – Building Company
Flinders University
A number of Surgeons Rooms in Adelaide ++
Flinders Medical Centre
Thoma’s Trek – Wine co
Basil Hetzel Institute
National Portrait Gallery
Monash University
Adelaide University
Flinders University
Jayco head office Melb
Scotch College Adelaide
Immanuel College

AFFORDABLE ART PRINTS AVAILABLE ONLINE VIA  REDBUBBLE OR FINE ART AMERICA