Plein air paintings by UNE art professor now on display at Biddeford Campus Center

On display now through Oct. 27 at the Campus Center in Biddeford is a series of landscape paintings by UNE Professor of Art Charles Thompson, M.F.A. The exhibition includes eight, large-scale oil paintings created en plein air (outdoors) during different seasons over the past two years.

Thompson holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art (now the Tyler School of Art and Architecture) at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is the founder of UNE’s art department and has taught painting, watercolor, and ceramics at the University for 25 years. 

As an artist, Thompson has displayed 30 solo shows, been included in over 100 group exhibitions both nationally and internationally, and his works can be found in private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe. He resides with his family in Saco.

Thompson reflected on his preference for painting outdoors, which he has done exclusively during all seasons for the last 40 years. 

“It is my belief that the spirit of plein air landscape painting is the patient art of practicing the embodiment of eternal life,” Thompson said. “I have always attempted to capture the ephemeral atmosphere of ever-changing landscapes. … It is through this direct response to nature that I have found a spiritual connection with nature, light and atmosphere.”

The paintings will be on display in the Campus Center, located at 11 Hill Beach Road, Biddeford, through Sunday, Oct. 27. Hours for the academic year are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.