Thomas Jewell

medium: painting

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Contact information
1303 Adrian Blvd
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Phone Number: 920-563-3472
Email Address: tomleedj@gmail.com

Artist statement
As far back as I can remember I have been infatuated with the pure beauty of the outdoors, wild and domestic animals. My artistic goal is to capture the essence of that beauty through the painted medium. The process I follow is intended to provide the viewer with a sense of atmosphere through the interaction of light, shadow and depth to convey a stimulating visual experience. I want to make a visual statement that enables the viewer to feel as though they are present at the specific place or moment I have captured in my paintings. My greatest artistic pleasure is to be able to share with others what I am able to create.

Theme and Subject Matter
The world around me is filled with visual scenes that influence the theme for my paintings. When I take a second look I find an interesting element that draws my attention and I know I have found the basis for a new painting.

Technique
During my four years at Layton School of Art my professors were instrumental in advancing my ability to sketch, draw and paint following the philosophies of the old world masters. I develop my painting compositions from my sketchbooks. I begin each painting by creating a series of value study sketches to define the light direction, tonal values and overall color theme. If a composition holds together well in black, gray and white I find it provides a feeling of emotion in color that will create a lasting impression. At times I find it valuable to create a watercolor wash study to further determine the color theme prior to beginning the final oil painting.

My painting approach is to paint in the broad patterns and shapes first with thin paint. I then proceed to paint in the darkest and lightest areas. This approach sets the tonal range for the painting and enables me to control the color values that will appear throughout the composition. Next I develop the various shapes in the painting as I build up layers of thicker paint. In this step I establish the tonal range between the background, mid-ground and foreground. Then I concentrate on the light direction and work on the intensity of the mid-tones as they relate to the highlight and shadow areas. As a final step I concentrate on my brush strokes and paint thickness to create the final highlights and the feeling I intend to convey in the finished painting.

Biography
Tom spent some of his childhood years in Arizona, but has lived most of his life in Southern Wisconsin. The outdoors is where he and his family have developed a fondness for nature that has become the catalyst for his paintings. He attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wis., for his formal education. The professors at Layton gave him the formal and classical art education necessary to pursue a professional career in either, fine art, graphic design or print media. Although Tom enjoyed a successful art direction and print management career, he always remained true to the influences of the fine art professors at Layton that enabled him to develop the basis for the direction of his painting style and technique in drawing, watercolor, acrylic and oil mediums.

Over the years Tom has exhibited paintings in numerous art galleries, art shows, art fairs and museums. He has held one man shows and has exhibited in several multi-artist shows. His work has received several awards in juried competitions. His paintings are included in numerous corporate and private collections located in Wisconsin as well as several other states. Tom has also received several private commission assignments throughout his career. Tom also performs professional artist services as an art competition juror and keynote artist speaker. He also teaches drawing and painting classes at the adult level.

As a member of Oil Painters of America Tom is dedicated to the preservation of representational art. His paintings are focused on landscapes, water scenes, flowers and various horse related themes including western events and formal dressage. Tom also creates human and animal portrait paintings on a commission basis. The format of his work covers a broad spectrum that ranges from 8 X 10 inch paintings to 8 X 12 foot wall murals.

Tom is also a member of the Visionary Artists Group which meets on a regular basis
to discuss current art issues and techniques as well as exchanging creative ideas through a positive critique of each others recent drawings and paintings. The group also plans and conducts art shows together to showcase their new works.