about the artist
As teenagers during summers in Monterey County, Tom (seated) and his cousin Russ display their paintings on the wall of the ranch house porch.
As teenagers during summers in Monterey County, Tom (seated) and his cousin Russ display their paintings on the wall of the ranch house porch.
Thomas Wood was born in San Francisco into a family of artists who often painted the landscape. From an early age, he benefited from the art, ideas and encouragement of his parents Mireille and Phil Wood, grandfather Gottardo Piazzoni, cousin Russell Chatham and great-uncle Maurice del Mué, among others.
Earning a B.A. (University of California Berkeley) and an M.A. (San Francisco State University) in English, he taught college composition and literature for several years in New York and California. He also worked in educational media and photography.
Palette in the 9x12" paintbox.
As teenagers during summers in Monterey County, Tom (seated) and his cousin Russ display their paintings on the wall of the ranch house porch.
Since the 1980s, he has shown professionally in numerous solo and group shows, many supporting environmental organizations through art sales. His paintings are part of many private collections.
Most of his work is oil painting done on location, in nature, where he finds inspiring and often unexpected possibilities for artwork. In his studio, he creates larger canvases based on studies made from direct observation on site. He also makes and prints etchings and paints watercolors.
Typical outdoor setup: paintbox, tripod, umbrella, backpack.
Typical outdoor setup: paintbox, tripod, umbrella, backpack.
"I strive to paint honestly, without regard to formula or style, in order to convey the authentic visual and emotional essence of a place, and perhaps to suggest timeless, universal truths.
"I want my art to be an object of enjoyment and contemplation over time."
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