We recently visited the studio of Ann Thomson to look at some new works. Ann spent three months of last year living and working in Reims, France. The gouache on paper and acrylic on linen works she made there were a highlight of the visit. Ann has also been organising paintings in her studio for a show in Canberra at the Drill Hall. 'Freehand - Ann Thomson' will open on the 20th of February, and it was a lovely opportunity to see some of the pieces that will be in the show. Born in Brisbane in 1933, Ann Thomson has been exhibiting since 1965. Thomson moved to Sydney to study at the National Art School after initially learning from Australian expressionist Jon Molvig. Ann has had a long relationship with France. in 1978 she was awarded a residency at the Cit? Internationale des Arts, Paris. She would be awarded this residency again in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2006. Ann lives and works in Sydney.