tom wheeler

I studied Art and Illustration in college, at Brigham Young University where I received my BFA degree in 1997. Some of the notable artists I studied under included Bruce Hixon Smith, James C. Christensen, Brett Helquist, Doug Fryer, Richard Hull and Robert Barrett. I enjoy painting and drawing many natural subjects. Rivers, rocks and painting water has captured my attention for the past few years. I love the interplay of the water around the rocks. Looking at rivers and creeks can reveal a world of intricate and wonderful reflections, shadows, textures, light and transparent surfaces. I'm working for realism and hoping to capture beauty in nature. I also strive to convey a strong emotional quality in my work, through color, texture and brush strokes. I want to strike the right balance between a loose economical stroke and careful rendering. Although I strive for realism, I believe a painter should allow the characteristics of the medium to come through. In realism there's a danger of robbing the painting of its spontaneity and energy.