Judd Thompson
“Art is about growth for me, it’s about creating something that hasn’t been made yet! Bringing color to a blank canvas and I pride myself in pushing the limits with my new artwork. Turning something worthless into something timeless. I like dissecting my material and forcing the viewer to find a narrative in each piece. Crows are known for being the best storytellers, vividly describing the world around them. So I naturally find myself telling a story with my art.” —Judd Thompson
Born in 1983, Judd Thompson spent his formative years growing up on the Crow Indian Reservation, gaining inspiration from the art he was surrounded by in his parents' business, The Custer Battlefield Trading Post. Judd draws inspiration from Western artists, especially Joseph Henry Sharp. Judd uses his passion for color theory to capture the essence of Crow Country in a variety of media. After graduating from the University of Wyoming in 2010 with a degree in Art & Art History, Judd moved to Billings, MT where he currently resides.
Available Works
Mixed media with acrylic, spray paint, and prismacolor marker, 2024
36" x 36"
“This painting pays homage to the stoic personality of one of the most respected Crow leaders, Chief Plenty Coups.”
Acrylic on canvas, 2025
72” x 60”
“The vision for this piece comes from the Hudson Bay trading blanket. It was brought to life by a free handed pour and uses no measurements for the paint, just feel.”
Mixed media, spray paint on canvas, 2025
40” x 30”
“This piece was created from a dream, a memory, and photo. It was created to show the audience the beauty of the tipi being lit at night, and make them feel as though they are there experiencing it for themselves.”
Mixed media on canvas, 2025
48” x 60”
“Based on a turn of the century sepia tone photo by Theodore Throstel, this piece is a representation of the use of artistic freedom using different colors to bring the piece to life, mimic the movement of dance, and portray the controlled chaos.”
Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 2019
10” x 8”
An interpretation of “Heaven’s Gate” 1980, directed by Micheal Cimino, watercolor paper, prismacolor marker and watercolor, framed, 2020
16” x 20”
Prismacolor marker and stencil, 2024
40" x 30”
This piece was the first time the artist experimented with prismacolor markers and is truly a turning point in his work. Based on another Throstel photograph, there is a big star on the piece representing when Colorado became a state which is where the Crow were moving through at the time.
Mixed Media, 2022
24” x 48”
This monochromatic take on the feeling of Crow Fair displays all of the tipis, as it is known as the tipi capital of the world. Another turning point in his art, this piece was the start of showing the process of drip work, blending with a more painterly take with the tipis, snowflakes, atmosphere, and moon all coming together in a cohesive way.
Mixed media on canvas, 2021
20” x 24”
This piece was created in a way that leaves the interpretation up to the viewers imagination. There are three riders hidden over the hill in the distance that often get overlooked, or just go completely unseen. It is a reminder of growing up and the tradition of staying in the tipi and looking up at the stars.
Sold Works
2024, mixed media, stencil, spray paint, acrylic, and prismacolor marker
Representing the spirit of the west, and also known as the star of Wyoming, this painting, based off a historic photo of Smokey the cow horse, pushes the narrative telling the story of the wrangler. Early mornings, late nights, working with the horse leading up to the rodeo, and everything that happens behind the scenes that people usually don’t see.
36” x 36”
2011, Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Spray Paint, Found Objects, 34"x49
2022
Derived from a figure from a reoccurring dream, this piece portrays the significance of hair to the Crow. While you may never fully see the face clearly, you can see the braids and the power, health, and strength they hold to the Crow people. Dots used as face paint and blending into the background keep it somewhat mysterious, while also drawing you in for a closer look.
Mixed media on watercolor paper
26" x 34"
Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper, 16" x 14, Oval Antique Frame, 2022, $1470
Acrylic on Canvas, Mixed Media, 36" x24, Framed 2020.
Artist's Signature Bottom Left.
24” X 36” poster on archival paper, signed by the artist, Judd Thompson
18” X 24” poster on archival paper, signed en verso
36" x 28 Framed, Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper, 2019.
Artist's Signature on Bottom Right.
2018, Crow Tribe 1908 Photograph by Daniel Hagerman, watercolor paper, prismacolor marker and watercolor, 12” x 16”
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 11” x 14
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 8” x 10
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 11” x 14
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 8” x 10
2016, Photography on Canvas, Acrylic, 40"x48
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 11” x 14
2016, Acrylic on Canvas, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Spray Paint, 38"x50
2019, Mixed Media on Watercolor paper, 29.5” x 41
2017, Crow Tribe 1908 Photograph by Daniel Hagerman, Watercolor Paper, Prismacolor Marker and Watercolor, 12”x16
2016, Acrylic Paint, Spray Paint, 48”x36
2016, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, 18"x25.75
2016, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, 18"x25.75
2016, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, 18"x25.75
2016, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, 18"x25.75
2016, Photography Giclée on Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, 18"x25.75
This Judd Thompson and Pendleton Blanket collaboration of “Horse Named Paint” has been featured in Cowgirl Magazine in a beautiful interiors shot.
