Archive Mode. Call Heartland Artists Gallery - Small Wonders 2021 ended on 5/2/21, 11:59 PM. Call settings are read only. See Current Open Calls
John E. Thomas
Judge's Statement:
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of entries in this years show. Over eighty works with excellent examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and crafts. I originally selected twenty works for honors and regrettably had to refine my selection to just six works. The Best of Show was a watercolor that embodied the complexity and detail that can be obtained even when working so small. I was able to enjoy the richness of this work which captured my attention for sometime. I also marveled at the amazing detail and variety of objects depicted in the sculptured tree. Overall I would say this show was successful in bringing out the outstanding talent of the Heartland community. As a judge I hope I was able to encourage six regional artists by endorsing their excellence as artists. I regret there were not more awards in categories as there was a variety of excellent art in all mediums.
Who is John E. Thomas, Photo-realist Painter and Airbrush Artist of Indiana?
John E. Thomas, born in 1951, began drawing in high school. Encouraged by his teacher, he continued his artistic training at Indiana University where he earned a Bachelor Degree. He furthered his training by attending Notre Dame University where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in painting.
Inspired by the smooth look of the airbrush, he mastered the tool, and is known for his large paintings on canvas. The photo-realistic images have won him many awards throughout the years. Included in this list are:
Critics Choice Award - Blueberry Festival
1st Place Professional - Blueberry Festival
Indiana State Fair - Most Popular Award 1978, 1979, 1980
Indiana State Fair - Best of Show
Indiana State Fair - Champion Open Class
Heartland Artist Regional - Young Peoples Choice 1997, 1998, 1999
Heartland Artist Regional - Popular Choice 1997 - 1990
Starke County Fine Arts Commission - First Place 1994
South Bend Michiana Regional Competition - Best of Show, 1st in Painting 1978
Mid States Show Evansville - Best of Show 1974 in permanent collection
Art Work in permanent collections of:
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Evansville Museum Art & Science
Bristol Myer Squibb Corporate
He has taught high school art for 43 years while continuing to pursue his own art career. Many of his students have gone on to become professionals in the field of art. His art department, at John Glenn High School, has won 25 national achievement awards from the Scholastic Art Awards in New York.
He continues to paint using a variety of mediums such as oils, watercolor and acrylics. He paints a mixture of subjects; however, figures and portraits continue to be his favorite.
