Life & Work with Thomas Shepherd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Shepherd. 

Hi Thomas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started making art and music at a young age which led me to pursuing an education in music at CU Denver. Once there I found myself using painting as an escape from music education. Soon after that painting, drawing and art history consumed every thought and interest I had and became my main artistic and life focus. An obsession over the high renaissance, Dutch golden age, and color theory led me to developing my own visions in the medium of oil painting. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Similar to most art forms, the main challenges arise from finding your target audience and overcoming your own self-doubts. Social media has made finding your target audience easier; however, it has simultaneously created a distance from the piece of art, making it somewhat ephemeral and disposable. This is why I find viewing art in galleries to be so important, as you feel a palpable connection to the piece and a deeper connection to art itself. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I primarily work with oil paints on wood panels and canvas. I find fulfillment in figurative and still-life painting, using methods applying layers of translucent paint to build up an image. These techniques which have been almost forgotten by most contemporary art teachings elicit a connection to generations of artists who’ve came long before me for which the ground of art itself has been built on. Using this I hope to continue the language of painting and figurative art that I owe much of my passion and enjoyment of life to. 

How do you define success?
Success comes in multiple forms. Creative success is realizing your visions in a way that fulfills your artistic drive, strengthening the passion to continue creating. Monetary success is finding an audience willing to value your work at a rate which you can live life spending the most time on your art. When these two success’s meet, then you’ve really got something. 

Contact Info:

• Email: thomasshepherdarts@gmail.com
• Website: thomasshepherdart.com
• Instagram: thomas.shepherdarts