Nonnie Thompson grew up in Sonoita, Arizona where borderland culture dominated her formative years. Upon graduation from high school, she stepped deeper into Mexico studying Art and Drama at the Universidad de las Americas. Via San Francisco and Nashville, she made her way to New York City. Swiftly submerged in the high energy of The City, she found herself in a "pop band" called Nonnie and the Onnies. This led to a solo contract, as Nonnie Thompson, with Arista Records in London.

The remarkable art scene in London drew her in, the opportunities to study abounded and she chose to attend The Heatherley School of Fine Arts. Nonnie supported herself with a career in Interior Design. Later, she was presented with an offer to restore and develop a medieval property in the Southwest region of France. She spent several years in France, studying at the "Atelier" in Penne d'Agenais. This French connection provided countless trips to Morocco where she painted in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. Travelling often to Mumbai and Goa, much inspired in her painting by the imagery and her love of India.