Chris Thomas
(b. 1970 )
Chris Thomas, a Kentucky native, showed an interest in art and drawing at the young age of four. In 1992, at the age of 21, Chris attended the Art Students League of New York City, studying under the renowned artist Harvey Dinnerstein. It was here that he was first introduced to oil painting, sparking his journey to master its techniques. Following this, Chris dedicated three years to studying the works of master artists, refining his skills, and cultivating a distinctive style. By 1995, he had established himself as a full-time professional artist.
As a realist painter, Chris often incorporates trompe l'oeil into his work striving to create a detailed yet natural appearance. His still life compositions aim not only to showcase the beauty of nature but also to evoke emotions, memories, and stories through the arrangement of objects.
Chris's work has been represented by several galleries nationwide, earning awards and appearing in various publications. His paintings are also included in numerous private collections. In addition to creating his own artwork, Chris opens his studio once a week to teach, sharing his expertise and passion for art with others.
SOLO SHOWS
2010 Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
2009 Horizon Fine Art Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2008 John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2006 G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2001 G.C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
1993 Nance Galleries, Evansville, IN
GROUP SHOWS
2017
New Year’s Group Exhibition, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2016
Still Life Invitational, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2015
Still Life & Florals, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2014
Still Life, Floral & Trompe l’oeil, San Francisco, CA
2013
Evansville Collects, Evansville Museum of Arts and Science, Evansville, IN
Still Life, John Pence Gallery
2012
Still Life & Trompe l'oeil, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Gallery Artists Group Show, John Pence Gallery
2011
Trompe l’oeil, John Pence Gallery
Recent Arrivals, John Pence Gallery
2010
Eat, Drink and Be Merry, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2009
Trompe l’oeil, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Small Works, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Rosemary's Babies, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
2008
Floral Show, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2007
Trompe l’oeil, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Small Landscapes, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Small Still Lifes, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Summer in San Francisco, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
The Good Earth, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
Squares, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
The Toy Show, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
New Works, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
Objects of Desire, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
2006
Urban Landscapes, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
Evansville Museum 52nd Mid-States Art Exhibition
2005
Valentines, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2004
Allegories, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Trompe l’oeil, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2003
Still Lifes, Intimate views of Cincinnati, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
Self Portraits Show, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2002
Still Lifes, Florals, Interiors, John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2001
Two Views, Two Man Show, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
Private Conversations, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Indianapolis, IN
2000
Nature to Nature, Audubon Museum, Henderson, KY
1996
48th Mid-States Art Exhibition
The Order of Things: Contemporary American and European Still Life,
Evansville Museum, Evansville, IN
1995
Realism ’95, Parkersburg, WV
Realism Today, Evansville Museum, Evansville, IN
1994
Realism ’94, Juried Exhibition, Parkersburg, WV
47th Mid-States Art Exhibition
Realism Today, Evansville Museum, Evansville, IN
1993
Realism ’93, Parkersburg, WV
1992
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Owensboro, KY
Realism Today, Evansville Museum, Evansville, IN
STUDIED
1992 Art Students League, New York City
1993 Daniel Greene Portrait
2010 Steven Assael Portrait
AWARDS
2006
Evansville Museums 53nd Mid-States Art Exhibition, Martha Ryan Merit Award
2007
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Still Life
2005
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Portrait & Figurative
Henderson Society of Art (Juried Exhibition) – First Place
2004
Purchase award for Evansville Museum’s 52nd Mid-States Art Exhibition
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Still Life Competition
2003
Art Renewal Center First International Salon Competition, Honorable Mention
2002
Me, Myself and I, Ohio Valley Art League, First Place
Evansville Art Guild (Juried Exhibition) – First Place
2001
Henderson Society of Art (Juried Exhibition) – First Place
Evansville Art Guild (Juried Exhibition) – Third Place
1997
Henderson Society of Art (Juried Exhibition) – Second Place
1996
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Landscape Competition
Owensboro Art Guild (Juried Exhibition) – Best of Show, Owensboro, KY
Henderson Society of Art (Juried Exhibition) – First Place
Celebration of the Arts, (Juried Exhibition) – Second Place
1995
Realism ‘95, First Place and People’s Choice Award, Parkersburg, WV
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Portrait Competition
The Artist Magazine, Finalist Cover Competition
1994
Kentucky Ducks Unlimited, selected to design annual pin
1993
Kentucky Ducks Unlimited, selected to design annual pin
1992
Kentucky Ducks Unlimited, selected to design annual pin
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2013 Southern Indiana Review, Spring issue
2009 American Art Collector, January issue
2008 American Art Collector, March issue
American Art Collector, October issue
Evansville Living, December issue
2007 American Art Collector, April issue
2004 American Arts Quarterly, Spring issue
1997 Indianapolis Monthly, December issue
1995 The Artist’s Magazine, May issue
COLLECTIONS
Seven Bridges Foundation, Greenwich , CT
Evansville Museum of Arts and Science, Evansville, IN
St. Joseph Health System, Lexington, KY
Fifth Third National Bank, Evansville, IN
American General Finance, Evansville, IN
Welborn Baptist Hospital, Evansville, IN
St. Mary’s Hospital, Evansville, IN
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Evansville, IN
George Koch Sons, Evansville, IN