THOMAS SHEA - OIL PAINTING

ARTIST STATEMENT - BIO  

Tom received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art from Cardinal Stritch University in 1979. He immediately began his career working for the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Exhibits Department.  At the museum he’s performed a variety of tasks:  exhibit design, 3-D diorama production work, illustration and project management.

For the past 10 years his work at the museum has become less hands-on work, and more project-management. Seeking more creative fulfillment, Tom has focused on his “first love”- oil painting. Working in a range of subjects has kept it interesting: still-lifes, landscapes, animals; but his favorite is portraiture. He has done commissioned portraits over the years and has kept developing these skills as a member of the Milwaukee Sketch Club. His two children and wife are often called upon to model. His wife is an art teacher and needless to say, their children have a keen interest in art and other creative activities.  

Early in his career, Tom collaborated with two artists from the Museum and entered a national snow-sculpting contest in Milwaukee. Carving a huge block of snow into a surfer riding the wave, they won the event, and went on to an international competition in Quebec City, Canada. The following year they repeated with a win in the national competition and a win in the international carnival in Canada!  Meeting sculptors from around the world was an unforgettable experience. He annually carves ice sculptures in winter competitions and demonstrations.

©Thomas Shea - L' Altra Sorella

• In 2001, Tom had a painting accepted in the national agriculture exhibit at the New Visions Gallery in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

• A one-man-show of oil paintings in 2002 was featured at the Leenhouts Gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• 2003 – 2007  He has participated in the Cedarburg and Downer Avenue Plein Air competitions and has won an honorable mention award.

• In 2003, Tom and his brother Art, displayed their paintings at the Wauwautosa Library’s “Firefly Gallery”.

• 2004   Tom and his son Sam displayed their artwork along with a collection of paintings of Tom’s late father, Raymond ( A Layton Art School graduate). The 3-generation show was displayed at the Marion Center in Bay View. (Sam attends the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore).

• 2007   Tom was juried into the spring exhibit at the “Lakes Gallery” near Holy Hill.

• 2006-present  Tom is a founding member of the Art Guild of Menomonee Falls.

Tom admires the French Impressionists, and also Canada’s “Group of 7”, (adventurous artists that painted the raw Canadian wilderness in the early 1900s). One of his favorite painters is NC Wyeth. He loves his bold brushstrokes, interesting compositions, beautiful color schemes and dramatic narratives. 

Balancing his work at the museum with his love of painting has been difficult at times, but developing his artistic skills and producing artwork that touches people, is the most satisfying experience that Tom can imagine.

CONTACT: sheatssm@sbcglobal.net

                  ©Thomas Shea Anna's World                                                                         ©Thomas Shea - Sarah                              

©Thomas Shea -  Uncle Bud                                                 ©Thomas Shea - Dave D.

©Thomas Shea - X-Country