The Country Vet-A Painting That Brings Big Smiles

By Doc Lawrence

The Veterinarian holds a special and dear place in our lives. They, like our own primary care providers, are the keepers of our beloved pet’s health. Dogs, cats, horses and even more exotic pets like parrots bring us indescribable joy through companionship and immeasurable love.

"The Country Vet"

Our pets and their health and happiness obviously require care and attention. After all, they are totally dependent on their keepers for almost everything. Like people, pets do get ill or injured and do need vaccinations and protections from disease. The vet is available to provide, even in emergencies.

 Olivia Thomason, Stone Mountain, Georgia’s award-winning folk artist just completed her first painting of the new year: “The Country Vet,” an energetic depiction of a peaceful community where animals are as prominent as people. It radiates joy, community spirit and caring for animals. Everything centers around the local Vet. “My inspiration was based on years of visits with a genuine country vet, the late George Gibson. I’ve always had pets and George cared for them with professionalism and lots of love. Visits to his office was like a trip to a zoo. He was kind, straightforward and generous. No one was turned away for lack of funds. ‘Ol George would work out something.” 

Dr. Gibson’s office-a clinic-was in the Stone Mountain/Pine Lake community and many recall his goodness and humor. A Clemson graduate, Gibson was a prominent presence in this part of the Atlanta region. “Before his death,” Ms. Thomason recalled, “he would visit my art gallery near Emory University, and even bought one of my paintings. He was a crown jewel, a man of utmost high character.” 

Olivia's Beloved "Buddy"

The painting is also a tribute to today’s veterinarians who carry on the awesome responsibilities of animal care and healing. Ms. Thomason has a large dog, Buddy, and has adopted several ferrel cats, giving them shelter, love and professional care as required. “Life is better because of them. I am grateful for the treatment that our local Vet’s provide.” 

During the nearly 12 months of pandemic isolation, Ms. Thomason has been busy, completing a new children’s book and several paintings. Her home studio is busy. Olivia Thomason’s paintings are in major corporate and professional collections throughout the country. She has garnered many awards including Atlanta’s artist of the year and gallery of the year for her acclaimed The Primitive Eye. Notable paintings include “Connemara,” Carl Sandburg’s home in North Carolina, “Angels Over Atlanta-The Atlanta Braves World Championship,” “The Atlanta Summer Olympics,” “The Gourmet Highway,” “Johnny Marches Home” (Atlanta History Center) and numerous arts festivals and celebrations. She plans to resume teaching her adult art classes when it’s safe to gather. 

For more information about “The Country Vet” or other works by Olivia Thomason: Bigoart1@yahoo.com.

Olivia Thomason