Tom Shelford divides his time as many east end denizens do, between NYC and the Hamptons. In the City, he is a professional web site designer and illustrator. At home in the Hamptons he is a fine artist, not only painting, but teaching and organizing programs for other artists.

Tom always sought beauty, balance and harmony in art. Through observation he taught himself to draw and developed technique on his own, but always wanted to study formally. Gradually over the years he found and studied with artists he admired, becoming a skillful painter in the classical style. He then found himself in a community of young artists who rejected modern trendiness and adopted new values. Though still doing his web design, Tom threw himself into this "atelier" group that, he says, were like archeologists in that they studied and practiced according to the artists of centuries past. Like the 19th century French artists, who were humble about themselves and their work and had a focused work ethic. A "standing on the shoulders of giants" method of learning, Tom says. This gives you a "tool kit" to develop your work. It takes a lifetime, but he can see the progress. And his philosophy is this; that art should inspire one to become a better human being. Art can ennoble the viewer.

(Right: Drawings by Lynn Matsuoka of Tom Shelford painting in his East Hampton studio during a weekly salon night which he hosts.)

His current painting series combines the particular and intellectually derived color fields of Mark Rothko with traditional elements such as fruit and the human figure that he loves, reconciling the intellectual concept of modernism with the power of traditional images.

Abstract vs. Representation. Actually manifestations of the same thing as he sees it. And then he poses the question: which is more beautiful, the Rothko color images or the real pear? "It's a tie".

Tom has derived so much from the Atelier environment that he enthusiastically passes it on by offering artist Salons. Based on the workshop idea of teaching and sharing knowledge, artists are invited to watch as he paints from a model, and participate by creating their own piece. It is good for artists to see other's works in progress and share the energy this kind of group affords, working as he always does, from life. The periodic breaks with wine and snacks bring the artists together for spirited discussions and the evenings pass too quickly. I can say that I have done some of my best work at his Salon.

Artists interested in knowing about upcoming Salons Tom is organizing can sign up on his website, http://www.shelfordart.com. There you can also see his beautiful work and other information on this exceptional artist.

Please check his website also for the date of his Painting Exhibition Opening in Sag Harbor. This will take place in May at Phao Thai Kitchen, re-opening mid March in the location that is presently Sen Lounge.

Lynn Matsuoka
www.hamptonsartist.com
e: artist@hamptonsartist.net