Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher

My name is Margaret Thatcher and I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. I’ve always been connected to art; from an early age my art teachers were especially encouraging and engaging, which inspired me to pursue art in college and thereafter.
I started working in oil and cold wax in March of 2019 when I spent a week in San Miguel de Allende participating in a workshop with Jerry McLaughlin, an amazing artist and a cold wax and oil expert. I returned to complete lockdown and I’ve been exploring the medium and abstraction ever since. There are lots of things that are different about working with cold wax and oil paint; not only do you mix the two 50-50, but instead of traditional paint brushes, you use squeegees and brayers. Prior to painting this way, I was all brushes, working in both acrylic and oil paint, painting figuratively and a little abstract.
My inspiration is process driven; I do get inspired by things in life I see around me, but in general I don’t ever have a plan when I begin. I let the process, colors, and shapes that appear determine where I am going. Many, many layers of paint are applied, so lots of history can get covered up, but it can also be revealed through the use of a solvent reduction or scraped back with a palette knife. I always know when it’s finished, which is the best feeling, and until I get that feeling, I keep going. I’m headed back to San Miguel for another workshop co-taught by Jerry McLaughlin and Bay Area artist, Melinda Cootsona, which will have a figurative emphasis. I’m excited to stretch myself and to bring what I learn home. I paint 4-5 days a week, the best days are those when I don’t leave my studio. You don’t need to have a degree to be an artist, but you do need to enjoy solitude and be able to put your art first. I paint for myself, first and foremost, and it’s an especially wonderful feeling when a painting resonates with someone enough for them to take it into their own home. When that happens, I am grateful.
Email: artbymmt5@gmail.com
Website: artbymmt.com
Instagram: margaretthatcherart