Tom’s work has been juried into prestigious national and international exhibitions, and is displayed in museums, galleries, and private collections across the country. In 2021 He was appointed as the official artist for the Breeders Invitational, further cementing his reputation in the world of Western art. Featured in publications like American Cowboy, Western Art Collector and Southwest Art Magazine, Tom has been honored with an Editors’ Choice Award, and recently some of his pieces were even featured on the critically acclaimed TV show Reservation Dogs!

As a member of the International Guild of Realism and Oil Painters of America, Tom is celebrated for his artistic precision and exquisite level of detail. His custom commissions are sought-after heirlooms that connect collectors deeply to their horses, land, and legacy. It’s why his art is chosen to adorn the walls of iconic ranches like Beechfork and AKE Ranch, preserving their stories and standing as testaments to history and heart.

A self-taught artist, Tom has been painting since his earliest memories, spending his allowance on canvas and supplies, and escaping from a tumultuous childhood into the landscapes he dreamed of from his bedroom window. Born in Kansas, the West has always called to him, and his heart stayed there long after his family moved away.

Over the years, his winding path led him through a successful career in criminal justice and law enforcement, where he excelled in various high-level roles, including Police Chief and Medical Examiner Investigator. Yet, despite his achievements in this field, he always returned to his true calling: painting. (His extensive knowledge of anatomy and attention to detail, honed through years of forensic work, now lends itself to his incredible talent for capturing the depth and essence of his artistic subjects.)

After battling—and overcoming—four different cancers throughout his life, Tom embodies the grit and determination of the West. Like the horses and cowboys he paints, he understands how it feels to overcome a lifetime of obstacles and emerge triumphant. This is why he now dedicates his full time to creating art with impact - infusing that same spirit of resilience into every brush stroke. His paintings capture the soul of a moment—art that can be felt, not just seen.

Tom’s creations speak to the enduring spirit of the American West, and remain a testament to perseverance, passion, and an artist’s ability to transform life’s obstacles into extraordinary beauty.