While attending the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in the '60s, a business major with an art minor, a one semester class in photography became a turning point in his life. A book entitled 'On Water Street' became the semester project and passion that spurred him into the next 30 years of producing exquisite compositions that include European assignments to Portugal, Spain, France and Israel as well as Mexico and Canada.
R. Bruce Thompson is the son of the late impressionist painter, Richard E. Thompson highly regarded as one of the finest painters of light and color and often referred to as 'Wisconsin's Monet'. The life long training from his father's vast experience became the building block for the younger Thompson's success in the art of photography.
Among Thompson's earliest awards was the Kodak International Snapshot Award in 1972. 'Best of Show' was awarded at Wausau Festival of the Arts and Wystum Museum's annual art show. 'Best of Photography' at Northridge, Menominee Falls, Port Washington, Bay Shore, Watertown, Galena and New Glarus art fairs. The exposure of the art fair circuit launched his three-year stint with the state of Wisconsin as the Department of Tourism's Free-lance photographer. His mission, to visually recreate the image of Wisconsin for tourism. In 1979, with the addition of a family to support, a career change to commercial photography stabilized his lifestyle as he put down roots operating his own studio. The past 20 years, the discipline of producing high quality work while maintaining deadlines made Thompson a very successful commercial photographer, however, passion for his art has never waned. Color photographs adorn many magazine covers and his meticulously printed black and white photographs are included in corporate and private art collections.