In Memoriam Thomas Pringle
Thomas Pringle holding up his artwork in the CE2 studio in 2019. Photo by Peter Prato.
Thomas Pringle was born in 1941 and first became a CE artist in 2006. He passed away in December 2021.
Pringle’s art practice was simple: "What I see is what I draw," he would say. Often inspired by “pretty women” around him, Pringle’s portfolio consists mainly of portraiture of iconic female celebrities and pin-up models he saw in the media.
A dedicated and self-proclaimed realist painter, Pringle would erase and redraw until his forms settle into a satisfactory composition. He started each piece with a sketch on paper with graphite, then often crossed those lines when he applied thick layers of paint on his subjects. His subjects are often accompanied by flat vibrant backgrounds.
In January 2020, Pringle debuted his first solo exhibition at the CE gallery, appropriately titled Ladies Man. Featuring brilliant and bold portraits of mostly women, the show displayed Pringle’s charming personality and penchant for whimsy while revealing his inner desires as a disabled man. “When I make something, like a painting of a woman, it’s about sex. I use pictures, and I try to make it as a real body. I look for one that’s good-looking.” Pringle explained in an interview with Huff Post (2017), “With my disability, for instance, I don’t know how [to have sex], but I got it in my mind. I’m still having sex, but in a different way.”
Pringle created art '“all his life” and developed his own unique art practice by the time he joined CE in 2006. Before coming to CE, he worked with a local artist in Austin, Texas, where they created elaborate installations in their apartment that incorporated Pringle’s wheelchair. At the CE studio, Pringle was steadfast and devoted to his craft, but he always made time to share an elaborate story or two. His inspiring presence in the studio was undeniable, motivating both artists and teaching artists alike to approach their art with a balance of sincerity and revelry.
When the studios closed in March 2020 due to shelter-in-place orders, Pringle often expressed his anticipation for the studios reopening. He drew and painted constantly while at home, quickly working through all the source imagery teaching artists would deliver to him and even decorating his environment with portraits of different women. He regularly attended virtual Zoom classes and was in touch with a number of teaching artists over the phone. Their conversations revolved around artmaking, his new “dog” and “cat” (that were stuffed animals), and getting married – he would end the calls by proclaiming, “Trust in Jesus.” When he wasn’t creating art, Pringle could be found watching wrestling on TV or playing pool or chess.
In hearing the news of his passing, teaching artists remembered him as “unique,” “talented,” “special,” “wonderful,” “amazing,” and “fantastic.” We will miss Pringle’s sense of humor and uplifting energy at the studio and gallery. Pringle’s legacy will continue to live on through his art for many years to come at Creativity Explored.
You can view more of Pringle’s work at the CE online shop or on his Artsy page.
Our STAFF shared the following about Thomas:
“Thomas was an incredible artist and such an amazing person. It’s hard for me to find words to describe how it was working with him. I really enjoyed all our time together. He always had good words for me and he had the best stories. I’ll miss him a lot. ”
Thomas Pringle showing off his artwork around the lunch table at CE2. Photo courtesy Michael Napper.
Thomas Pringle with his caregiver and teaching artist Tom Leach during an art supply drop-off in 2020. Photo courtesy Tom Leach.
“Thomas was an amazing guy with such a deep personality. His stories, his humor, his warmth, his funny preferences and peculiarities...and of course his art. Such a unique individual. CE was so much richer for having had him spend so much of his time with us. He’ll be greatly missed.”
“His artwork has brought joy to so many people. I particularly loved reading his stories and letters that were in his show and creating the pin-up girl calendar. Feeling very grateful for playing a small part in his Ladies Man exhibition for this incredible artist.”
Thomas Pringle holding up his artwork in the CE2 studio. Photo courtesy Patricia Rubio.
Thomas Pringle at the opening night of his Ladies Man exhibition at the CE Gallery in January 2020.
“A big loss for all of CE and especially the teaching artists who had the privilege of working with him over the years. The CE2 studio won’t be the same without him. The January 2020 gallery exhibit was a great tribute to him and I feel fortunate, along with Patricia [Rubio], to have shared his vision and fantastic stories with the public.
A truly wonderful man who lived his life doing what he loved most. I’ll miss him deeply.”