Thomas is a signature member of the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Association, an associate member of the California Art Club, a member the Oil Painters of America, and the American Impressionist Society. He travels extensively and maintains a distinguished exhibition history which has included the Portland Art Museum, the Laguna Art Museum, the Maritime Museum of Curacao, the Academy Museum of Art in Easton, Maryland, the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America’s National & Regional Exhibitions, Arts for the Parks Top 100, and three New York Art Expos. His work is widely collected throughout North America. 

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In the past four years Thomas has been honored with Signature Artist Status in the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, a twelve month Artist Residency from the University Club of Portland, an Artists’ Choice Award and Hamilton Family Foundation Award from the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Invitational, a Best of Show and Mayor’s Choice at the Carmel Art Festival, Best New Artist from Plein Air Easton, 2nd Place and numerous Honorable Mentions at Los Gatos Plein Air, and Best International Artist at Plein Air Curacao. He is also been a multiple Raymar Art and PleinAir Magazine Salon Finalist and featured as an Artist to Watch by The Informed Collector. Thomas was invited to participate in several Maui Plein Air Painting Invitationals where he won the Pioneer Inn Quickdraw Competition and has been featured in several issues of PleinAir Magazine. Thomas was also a guest lecturer at three Plein Air Convention & Expos in Monterey, California. 

 

Thomas is noted for his in-depth knowledge of art history and painting technique and for his enthusiasm for teaching. Besides pursuing his own work, he offers both group and private instruction throughout the year.