Gallery of Works
PORTRAITS IN OIL
Avril’s global recognition includes being the only Australian to win the Fine Art America global competition in 2022.
Memberships include the Royal Society of South Australian Art, Portrait Artists Australia, and the Portrait Society of America.
Since 2013 Avril has nurtured artistic endeavor at her studio and Art Gallery at Magpie Springs, Willunga Hill, where artist workshops, art exhibitions showcasing local, national, and international talent. She organized a four-year Photographic Competition onsite.
Magpie Springs also partnered with Seymour College for two years, engaging students in sculpture, filming, and photography.
Over 600 prints of her works, available on more than 100 products, can be purchased globally via MagpieSprings/Redbubble and AvrilThomasart/Redbubble.
Visitors can explore her original hand-painted works and a selection of online prints at the Magpie Springs Cellar Door/Art Gallery, a vibrant hub of creativity on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
CHARCOALS
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
- Winner of Fine Art America global billboard prize.
- Commissioned by Immanuel College to paint Principal Kevin Richardson
- Commissioned by Deakin University to paint Chancellor John Stanhope AM FAICD
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL
EXHIBITIONS 2000 - 2010
- Myer Center, Adelaide Central School of Art
- Blackwood Rotary Exhibition 2001
- Solo Exhibition – Gallery M. Aug – Sept 2002. Introducing Avril
- Royal South Australian Society of Arts – Pursuit of Individuality Nov 2002
- St Catherine’s School – Illuminate – Nov 2002
- Royal South Australian Society of Arts – 2003
- Royal South Australian Soc of Arts – July 2003
- St Catherine’s School – Nov 2003
- Solo exhibition – The unveiling “ The Frog Man” Archibald entry and other works – 2004
- Scotch College – Immerse your Senses 2004
- St Catherine’s School – Art & Sol 2004
- Finalist Archibald 2005 – Gallery N.S.W.
- Newcastle Region Art Gallery: July – August 2005
- Moree Plains Gallery – August – September 2005
- Cowra Art Gallery – September – October 2005
- Albury Regional Art Gallery – October – November 2005
- Victorian Arts Centre – November – February 2005
- Kadumba drawing award N.S.W – 2005
- Scotch College – Scotch Fine Art Exhibition 2006
- St Johns –Belair Hills Art Show 2006
- Solo Exhibition – Bon Voyage 2006
- Portrait Artists Australia – Sydney – Idols and Icons 2006
- Scotch College – Scotch Fine Art Exhibition 2007
- Royal South Australian Society of Arts – Spring Exhibition 2007
- Life Work Art Exhibition – Adelaide 2007
- Portrait Artists Australia – Sydney – Friends 2007
- Unveiling of Vice Chancellor Prof Anne Edwards Flinders University permanent collection2007
- Solo Exhibition – Unveiling Premier Mike Rann’s portrait and retrospective works 2008
- Solo Exhibition – South Australian Living Artists Festival 2008
- Portrait Artists Australia- Healing Hands 2009
- Face to Face – Group Exhibition South Australian Living Artists Festival 2008, Ayres House,
- Joint exhibition with Meg Brassil – 3 Divas2009
- Scotch College – Group Fine art Exhibition 2009
- Flinders Medical Centre – Theatre Works Solo 2009, 10 Surgeons participated: Robert Padbury, Dr Phill Griffin, Dr Foreman, Dr David Wattchow, Dr Bessell, Dr Rudi Jaarsmar, Dr Barnett, Dr John Freeman, Dr Jay McGavigan
- Face to Face – Group Exhibition SALA Ayres House/National Trust Museum
- Solo – Open Studio SALA 2009
- Private exhibition during Hans Heyson festival, Hosted by Sue Heyson featuring works by Hans Heyson and Avril Thomas 2009
CASUAL AND FUN SITTINGS
EXHIBITIONS 2010 ONWARDS
- Opening for the Adelaide University school of Medicine 125th Historical Exhibition May 2010
- Adelaide University School of Medicine 125th “A day in the Life of Medicine” Bonython Hall
- Adelaide convention Centre select pieces from ” A day in the life of Medicine” exhibition
- Federal Parliament House Canberra – Portrait Artists Australia Portrait of Karen Reynolds
- “Southern Exposure” exhibition in conjunction with the Fleurieu Art Prize. Held at Magpie Springs 2013
- Open studio SALA 2014
- “Sensurious” Magpie Springs duel show with Judy Morris
- Unveiling of Gerry Ryan Portrait – Crown Melbourne Victoria commissioned by Australia and NZ dealers Jayco 2015
- “Sentiments” with Elaine Cheng Erika Walter at Magpie Springs SALA 2015
- Works on show Magpie Springs
- Women Painting Women 2016 Burrinja Victoria Australia National show with Fiona Bilbrough, Jacqui Grantford, Raelene Sharp, Sally Ryan, Vicki Sullivan, Heather Ellis
- Avril Thomas has exhibited continuously at Magpie Springs Gallery since 2013
Commission a Portrait
Avril is available to paint an original custom-made portrait. Of you, your loved ones, or a Corporate or Heirloom portrait project.
Her Artists Studio and Art Gallery is in South Australia at Magpie Springs.
Buy Affordable Art Prints
See and buy prints of paintings, drawings or photography on over 70 different products. Decor, clothing and accessories are available.
Perfect for gifts.
Visit the Gallery
Visit the Gallery and meet the artist. Enjoy local Adelaide Hills wines from her home at Magpie Springs.
Magpie Springs Art Gallery and Artist Studio
1870 Brookman Rd, Willunga Hill SA 5172