American Storytellers, by Andy Thomas

12" x 16" framed print, signed, open edition

Imagine being privileged to sit around a camp fire with a few of the American Storytellers from different eras of our great country. This wonderful scene of these famous men gathered under a full moon to share their amazing stories could only be created by the very talented Thomas. History comes to life as these gentlemen of various walks of life recall people, events, and places. As one of the American Storytellers enthralls the group, who will be next with a great tale of his own? Can you identify each of these American Storytellers?

Charles Russell, Benjamin Franklin, Frederic Remington, Andy Thomas, Will Rogers, Ernest Hemingway, Ronald Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Bill Cody and Norman Rockwell.

Andy Thomas, artist, is not only an immensely talented painter, but also a storyteller with the images he creates. His subject matter consists of a variety of images from historical events to intimate moments of everyday life. The artist's desire to create is funneled into the area of painting realism that ranges from a very loose, almost impressionistic style to very tight, realistic depictions. Thomas's medium is primarily oil, but he also works in watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, pencil, and ink wash. He is also a very accomplished sculptor.

Primarily self-taught, Thomas began his professional art career in 1991 after sixteen years with a major advertising agency. In his studio, the artist creates his unique paintings that tell their "stories." Thomas says, "I never consciously ponder elements of design or principals of design… I rely on my sketches to refine a value scheme as a starting point. They also help me visualize the completed painting and consider light, painting technique, subject or object importance, and other considerations. The viewer's eye-path is a big influence on the composition at this point and all through the painting process." Thomas's style has been compared to Russell and Remington. He says he has also been influenced by Howard Pyle, Richard Schmid, Norman Rockwell, and others.

A variety of Thomas's historical images have been used in books and featured on book covers. Some paintings have also been featured in numerous magazines. The artist's original works are in many private and corporate collections and also in the permanent collections of museums around the country.

Thomas exhibits in several shows annually, such as the C. M. Russell Art Auction, the Best of the West at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. The artist also enjoys judging art shows and teaching children and adult painting classes. He is a talented writer and published a book containing over 100 color images of his work, along with stories written by him.

The artist is a member of the famed Salmagundi Club in New York, The Portrait Society of America, and other art organizations. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Missouri Southern State University with a BS in Marketing Management.