The Art of Tom Shropshire

Native American War Pony

2012-02-24T19:59:00.004-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Click image to enlarge

According to the dictionary, these horses are descendants of the animals the Spanish conquistadors brought to the Americas that were adopted by the indigenous people. They were also known as cow pony, buffalo horse, mustang, Indian pony, cayuse, and Spanish pony.

Mystery of the Lake

2012-02-16T09:52:00.004-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

A sense of impending doom and the rising wind of an approaching storm creates many unanswered questions. Who is this woman? Why is she standing on the shore? Why is she wearing a formal gown in the forest? Is she holding a wand ...casting a spell? Quoting Edgar Degas, "A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people."

Pelicans

2012-02-09T00:15:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

The hazy sun shimmers across the water backlighting a gathering of these prehistoric looking birds. I took photos of the California Brown Pelicans on a trip north from San Diego along Big Sur. In flight, they resemble flying Pterodactyls. I think they help create a somber timeless mood to this piece. This painting has been SOLD but prints are available

Savannah

2012-02-07T16:53:00.005-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x20

This beautiful young lady is my grand daughter Savannah Shropshire. She is an award winning young artist and is known to like and prefer pretty things. She is also a fan of "Hello Kitty". NFS

American Classic

2012-02-06T12:16:00.006-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

(Click on painting to enlarge image)

Okay, I know this is a corny and overly sentimental theme ...a nostalgic Christmas card rendition of a snow covered village complete with horse drawn sleigh. I'm not apologizing, because that's exactly what I was going for in this tribute to an idealized Currier & Ives type of snow scene. Sometimes a sugary sweet is just what you crave and this has been an unusual Wisconsin winter without much snow. $600.00

Cloud Over The City

2012-01-28T09:03:00.005-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

Night has already descended on the city, but the sky is still fighting off the darkness. The light will soon fade and the sky darken but the city lights will still glitter even brighter than the faraway stars. $600.00

Olimbos Greece

2012-01-24T20:23:00.005-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This village clinging to the side of a mountain on a Grecian island is as picturesque as a scene can be. Another location for the bucket list! $500.00

Church Spires

2012-01-24T10:39:00.006-06:00

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

Click on painting to enlarge

This small study was painted directly on the canvas without drawing or underpainting. My goal was to capture the morning light and hazy silhouettes of the buildings in gradations of intensity from the horizon ...in other words, light in the back to dark in the front. $300.00

Back Alley Justice

2012-01-12T10:36:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The tenth painting in my "Sin, sex, and cigarettes" series features a sinister, armed man silhouetted by harsh lights in a wet and foggy alley. I don't know if there was ever a pulp novel with this title, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was. Available from the artist $950.00

I have been asked why I have chosen to create these paintings as a tribute to the lurid pulp covers of the past. I can remember that as a boy I would take the bus to downtown Milwaukee for a day at the public museum and library. Afterwards I would go to the old bookstore on Wisconsin Avenue. The musty smelling basement level was filled with pulp magazines, paperbacks, and comic books all at half off the cover price. Then I realized that these magazines were priced at .10 cents to .75 cents apiece before the discount! I loaded up on Weird Tales, science fiction, Southsea Adventures, True Detective, Amazing Stories and comics. The tantalizing element of the cover art was the mystery of the unexplained dramatic action and exotic locations portrayed, even though the stories rarely lived up to my high expectations. The melodramatic covers of pulp magazines helped influence and shape my art. I want these paintings to function as illustrations for unwritten stories. Back then, the cover art and captions of the pulps captured my imagination and fired my sense of wonder and adventure!

Leon's Frozen Custard

2012-01-06T20:49:00.004-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

Leon's Custard is a Milwaukee landmark on south 27th Street. Family owned and operated since 1942, and that makes it older than me! $600.00

Deadly Surprise

2011-12-23T10:08:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

Here is number nine in my "Sin, sex, and cigarettes" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir genre. Nothing puts a damper on a romantic interlude like a loaded gun pointed at your cheatin' heart. As you can see, our leading man is a little slow on the draw in more ways than one. You can tell by the fact that she already has her dress off and he's still wearing his hat and coat! Available from the artist $950.00

Milwaukee's North Point Lighthouse

2011-12-12T07:48:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Each year I paint a special holiday scene to share with my family, friends, and collectors. This year I chose North Point Lighthouse, a Milwaukee landmark. Perched on top of the bluffs over Lake Michigan it provided a guiding light for sailors just like the star guiding the wisemen in the Christmas story. Happy Holidays everyone! Available from the artist $600.00

New York the Emerald City

2011-12-06T09:05:00.006-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

I intentionally enhanced the greenish tint on this New York skyline as I thought about the immigrants coming to America and their first glimpse of the city. It must have seemed as strange and magical as the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. I used thin transparent washes of color to achieve a shimmering translucence to the buildings. Available from the artist $950.00

Bad Girl

2011-12-02T10:38:00.005-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is number eight in the "Sin, Sex, and cigarette" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir genre. The title comes from the old saying "good girls go to heaven ...but bad girls go everywhere." The background is typical of the paperback covers of the time, showing a slice of the seedy part of the big city. Available from the artist $800.00

Sunbather

2011-11-15T09:07:00.006-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

My cat, Moe, always finds great spots to sunbathe and nap. I wanted to capture his backlit form with a halo of light, plus the haughty annoyed look on his feline face. I'm also pleased with the loose almost abstract background which I applied quickly with a palette knife. $450.00

Chicago Skyline Silhouette

2011-11-13T16:41:00.005-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 24x36

The twinkling lights of the city at night are a subject that I always return to. I also love the silhouette of man-made mountains against the evening sky. The Hancock tower dominates this view of Chicago but the backdrop of clouds is my primary subject and inspiration. This is a 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas and requires no frame. Available from the artist $1500.00

The Pack

2011-11-04T23:49:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

In Wisconsin "The Pack" usually refers to our football team, but this is a more primitive group of team mates. They say today's domestic dogs are descended from wolves. I call my little dog Cassie, she-wolf of the frozen tundra and just like her larger relatives, she is always hungry. Available from the artist $600.00

Ballet Leap

2011-10-21T16:24:00.010-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This small study features my grand daughter, Callie Tuchel, in silhouette at one of her performances. The lighting and positions of the figures created an unusual dynamic that I wanted to capture. This painting was inspired by a photo taken by Annie Jones. SOLD! Prints are available.

Prints of this painting are still available.

Rainy Afternoon Milwaukee

2011-10-15T00:06:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The great thing about a rainy day is that you don't feel guilty about staying indoors. Listening to a storm roll through has always had a soothing effect on me and I love to paint while the rain beats on the roof and thunder rattles the windows. This one is for those that enjoy a rainy day! Available from the artist $950.00

Bear Creek

2011-10-12T15:17:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Click to enlarge

Wilderness areas are rapidly disappearing but there are still many areas of untamed beauty for us to enjoy. This northwoods scene shows a bear on a fishing trip. $600.00

Incantations of the Witch

2011-10-05T10:27:00.009-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The Red Witch is casting a spell under the crescent moon in the shadow of the bare oak trees. The fire has suddenly flared up as she invokes the name of the demon she summons on All Hallows Eve. This painting is SOLD but prints are still available.

Full Moon on Halloween Lane

2011-10-03T09:29:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

My kids, all grown up now, inspired this painting. From left to right are; Tanya, Gina, and Scott.

The kids are not so sure they want to trick-or-treat at the spooky house down the lane. Can't say I blame them. $600.00

Halloween Spider

2011-10-01T11:44:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9
What says Halloween better than a full moon, glowing jack-o-lantern, and a big hairy spider? Although this painting is SOLD prints are available

Birch Buddies

2011-09-19T09:20:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This is the last of the small tree studies that I demonstrated for my student artists. The way the larger birch leans drunkenly towards the other gave me the idea for the title. The birch tree outside my studio window is just beginning to change color. $300.00

Oak Tree Trio

2011-09-16T12:12:00.004-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another tree study, but a gnarly oak tree was my subject this time. Although the leaves aren't turning yet in Wisconsin, autumn has arrived. $300.00

Wilderness Skyscrapers

2011-09-09T13:01:00.006-05:00

Original Painting 8x10

(Click on Painting to enlarge)

This small study was also used for a class demonstration of tree painting for one of my classes at River Birch Gallery. I like the way they are partially silhouetted by the setting sun. $150.00

Towers in the Snow

2011-09-09T12:53:00.008-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

This is first in a series of "tree" studies that were used for demonstration and teaching purposes for my students at River Birch Gallery. It reminded me of church spires. SOLD Prints of this painting are still available.

Rough Sailing

2011-08-30T11:07:00.008-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

This painting began as a cloud study, then a seascape, and finally, a sailboat painting. I had no particular location in mind ...could be anywhere. I could almost hear the snap of the canvas and the splash of the waves. $950.00

Castle on the Hill

2011-08-27T15:45:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

I love the mood of this scene with the morning light filtered through the early haze of a crisp autumn day. $500.00

Morning Mist - Soo Line 1003

2011-08-23T11:47:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Autumn mornings in Wisconsin often begin with a damp fog until the sun burns it away. I used the hazy atmosphere to add drama to the appearance of the steam locomotive thundering into sight and belching smoke like a storybook dragon. $800.00

Train Crossing Soo Line 1003

2011-08-21T10:33:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The Soo Line 1003 steam powered train is still operating in Wisconsin, traveling around the state to bring this example of railroad history to the people. It is stored for viewing at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. One year, in conjunction with the Circus Parade, this engine stopped in the village of Eagle right in front of my home. A great photo opportunity! I plan to paint many more train scenes. Although this painting has been SOLD prints are availble.

Walking in the Rain

2011-08-16T12:43:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

I love a rainy night ...The rumble of thunder, wet pavement, wavy reflections, and the swish of tires from passing cars! The plan was to keep this painting loose and impressionistic. $950.00

Giants in the Mist

2011-08-15T10:50:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The Chrysler Building, an Art Deco skyscraper in New York, was the worlds' tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. This painting features the two architectural giants emerging from the mist and towering far above the crowded city below. These buildings were constructed during the Great Depression providing construction jobs for many workers and became symbols of pride for the American people in difficult economic times, (not unlike our current economic struggles). $950.00

.38 Special

2011-08-06T14:59:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x12

Lucky number seven in the "Sin, Sex and Cigarettes" series has arrived. This lethal lady is armed and patiently awaiting the arrival of someone. I wouldn't want to be that guy. $800.00

Dance of the Jellyfish

2011-07-29T10:47:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

These Sea Jellies remind me of Japanese Lanterns glowing in the night. Scientists say these ancient creatures have been around for over 500 million years. A group of jellyfish is sometimes called a bloom or a swarm. Some of these groups are very large and contain as many as 100,000 Jellies. Jellyfish have no hearts but do have poisonous stingers and kill up to 40,000 people each year. They could also be an alien life form that came from a spaceship that crashed in the ocean 500 million years ago. I'm going with that. $950.00

Tidal Waters

2011-07-27T13:13:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x36

I had intended to paint a loose semi-abstract painting of the landscape with lots of texture and sweeping brushstrokes of bold color. As I refined the sky and clouds the representational painter took charge and gradually a realistic rendering resulted instead. I didn't get where I was headed but I like where I arrived. If I hang it vertically it would still make a pretty good abstract. $2100.00

Moose Rider

2011-07-26T16:06:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x36

Here's an example of "Traditional with a Twist". I painted this traditional scene some time ago, but never felt satisfied with it. I removed it from the frame and studied it on my easel and thought about adding a moose. After sleeping on it, I had the answer ...a moose with a rider! The story unfolded as I painted. She has found the funeral platform of her grandfather with his shield and quiver of arrows hanging from a tree stump at the edge of the marsh. She says a prayer to the Great Spirit then turns and disappears into the darkening forest. Why is she nude and riding a moose? That's a whole 'nother story. Click on painting to enlarge. $2100.00

Megalodon Shark

2011-07-22T18:22:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

This prehistoric predator made its' closest living relative, the Great White Shark, look like a minnow. Adults were between 55 an 60 feet long and weighed as much as 100 tons. The painting began as a class demonstration for our underwater theme and I completed it in my home studio. I love the luminance of the shark! $500.00

Trail West

2011-07-22T13:24:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The covered wagons climb up the mountain trail and a column of smoke tells them they are not alone in the wilderness. The play of light and shadow is what interested me the most in this painting. I wanted to capture the vastness and beauty of the landscape in the tradition of the Hudson River artists. $950.00

Burnt Reflections

2011-07-20T10:07:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

Burnt pine trees are silhouetted and reflected as the sun sets in the Firehole Lake area of Lower Geyser Basin Marsh, Yellowstone National Park. $800.00

Red Peril

2011-07-13T10:28:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is the sixth painting in my "Sin, Sex, and Cigarettes" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir. All the essential elements are here ...from the gun, cleavage, dramatic lighting, to the cigarette dangling from her bright red lips. $800.00

Face of Fear

2011-06-23T11:04:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

What is she afraid of, giant mutated insects, creatures from outer space or just plain murderers ...who knows? Another tribute to the pulps and B movies has emerged from my brush! These are a lot of fun to paint and I hope that others enjoy them also. $800.00

Man in the Shadows

2011-06-22T14:25:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Another addition to my "Sin, sex and cigarettes" series. A hardboiled private eye reaches for his gun in this nod to the cover art of the pulp detective magazines. $800.00

"He was tired of the run-a-round and this alley was as good as anywhere for a bloody showdown!"

Mean in Green

2011-06-21T18:31:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is another painting in my ongoing series "Sin, sex and cigarettes" a salute to the cover art of the pulp magazines. This could be that double crossing client I referred to in my "City Noir" piece. This grieving widow chose to wear green rather than black to compliment her eyes and the setting sun cast shadows through the window blinds. $800.00

The Final Voyage

2011-06-15T16:22:00.004-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

A Tribute to my Dad

Robert Standish Shropshire died early this morning at age 97. I received a call from my sister, just as I finished this painting that my Dad was failing and might pass at any time. My wife and I drove to the hospice care center and made it in time to say our last farewell and were at his side for the end. For me, painting is my one solace, my strength, and my haven when everything is falling apart and my heart is breaking. I started this the day I heard he was being transferred to hospice care.

This painting shows Bark Lake Bob piloting his pontoon boat the LaBob (a combination of my Dad’s name and my Mother’s name Lavon) on an evening cruise. He loved life and being at his cottage and nothing gave him more pleasure than to take family and guests on a boat tour of the lake, especially on the 4th of July to see the fireworks. He also loved me and my paintings and I wish he could have seen this one before he slowly cruised away into the sunset. I loved you Dad, and I miss you already.

Milwaukee My Hometown

2011-06-13T17:39:00.004-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Available from the artist for $950.00

I was born and raised in Milwaukee and began my art career in this great city by a great lake! As a teenager I was awarded scholarships to the Saturday Art Program at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Some of the best and most talented student artists in the city were given an opportunity to create art with professional materials and study with top notch art instructors, like Eugene Mecikalski and Ralph Cieslik, every week. We were also given free reign of the art museum and its world class collection of art to study, discuss, inspire and enjoy. I knew my way around the art museum like my own room. What an opportunity for a young artist to have! But the best part was meeting other kids that loved art as much as I did. Keith Halonen was one of them. You can view his website at http://keithhalonen.com/artist.htm , check his Biography.

To my knowledge there has never been a program like it before or since and I'll always be grateful to my city for a chance to be part of it during my "wonder years". Thank you Milwaukee!

Miss Ruby

2011-06-03T15:02:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Sin, sex and cigarettes ...these were the essential elements of a good cover for every vintage pulp magazine. I think Miss Ruby embodies all that and more. I am currently working on an ongoing series of tribute paintings that reflect my lifelong interest in pulp literature and cover art, from "Weird Tales" to "True Detective" and from the gritty back alleys to the castles of a forgotten race. My Kindle is loaded with enough classics, sword and sorcery, adventure, fantasy, science fiction and pulp fiction to keep me inspired for a long time to come. $800.00

Old Chicago

2011-06-03T14:51:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Here's my artist's rendering of the intersection of State and Randolph in Chicago. I loved the old black and white photograph that this is based on. The three story beer bottle dwarfs the pedestrians scurrying about their business on the sidewalks of the city. I think a little washed out color adds to the period feel of the piece. $800.00

City Noir

2011-05-31T16:06:00.004-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 36x24

I love this subject! The garishly lit city towers above the mean and foggy streets as a trench-coated figure is illuminated by the headlights of a dark sedan. A jazz saxophone player can be heard down the alley while a bootlegger makes a delivery. I just know there will be a murder to solve and a double crossing client to find before the night is over. $2100.00

Historic Third Ward 2

2011-05-18T09:57:00.012-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another smaller study of Milwaukee's historic third ward. I liked the dusky haze softening the furthest building and how the buildings, each unique, all seem to lean on each other. SOLD

Prints of this painting are still available

Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward

2011-05-17T15:20:00.004-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

This area just south of downtown Milwaukee is a vibrant area of trendy restaurants, art galleries, lofts and theatres. Of course there is also a farmer's market and plenty of taverns. It's fun to visit and even more fun to paint! Available for $950.

Downtown Lights

2011-05-10T15:07:00.008-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The glittering lights of the city are a subject I am drawn to time and time again. Although this scene is loosely based on Milwaukee's skyline, it could really be any large city. I intentionally try to portray the frenetic pace of all cities and the energy that surges through them especially at night. Available for $950.

Empire State Building

2011-05-04T16:17:00.009-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

The Empire State Building is still an awe-inspiring landmark. I wanted to capture the glittering city lights as a backdrop to this amazing building in a loose semi-abstract technique. I think the lighting gives the painting an energy that expresses the pulse of New York City at night. I remember vividly my visit to the top as a teenager and my previous trip to the top of the Sears tower in Chicago ...I think that's when my love of city lights began and my love of painting urban landscapes. SOLD Prints of this painting are still available

Rainy Day in the City

2011-04-26T13:11:00.008-05:00

Origiinal Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 12x16

Another rainy day, but I have always liked thunderstorms and dark overcast days. Perfect weather for taking a nap or curling up with a good book. This reminds me of Milwaukee's Third Ward. I created my greys with mixtures of alizarin crimson and hooker's green for a warm urban haze. Available now for $800.00

Fading Majesty Castle at Sunset

2011-04-20T10:08:00.010-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

This is a purely romantic painting from my imagination and not meant to depict any specific castle, but rather to just convey a quiet, melancholy mood. It might have something to do with all the dark rainy days we've had lately. $800.00

Old Blue Eyes

2011-04-12T17:06:00.009-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 9x12

On the beach in Samara Costa Rica, this shaggy beachbum came and joined us. My friend Walt and I were sitting on a log in the shade of some palm trees while our wives waded in the Pacific ocean. He walked right up, wagged his tail and plopped down in front of us like we were family. He looked up at us with these startling blue eyes as if to say "Que Pasa, dudes". Available now for $600.00

Choco's Surf School Samara, Costa Rica

2011-04-06T16:43:00.008-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

We had lunch in Samara in a beachside outdoor restaurant and this entrepreneur had his surf school propped up against the vine-covered tree. Great location, low overhead ...what more do you want? $800.00

Montezuma, Costa Rica

2011-03-13T20:02:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Panel 12x16

This laid back place is everything you think a tropical paradise should be. I had a Long Island Iced Tea in the open air beachfront bar. It was a hippie community in the 60's and although it has mellowed it still has that alternative vibe along with great scenery, warm tidal pools, and outdoor cafes. There's also a waterfall nearby. $800.00

Sunrise Nicoya Bay, Costa Rica

2011-03-12T12:56:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on panel 12x16

This was the view that greeted me each morning on my recent vacation in Costa Rica. That's the car ferry taking vehicles and passengers across the gulf of Nicoya. It is a stunning location and as of yet, not many tourists have discovered it. I think it's the way Hawaii must have been in the early 1900's, dirt roads and all. $800.00

Moonlight Bay

2011-02-24T18:50:00.011-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

I painted this for my Dad. He is 97 years old and wanted a new painting for his room. I know how much he loved spending time at his lake cottage and I remember that he would often sing (off key) a song called "Moonlight Bay" whenever he took us on an evening lake cruise. NFS

Sunset South China Sea

2011-02-18T19:29:00.006-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x12

I love the mood and the exotic feel of foreign ports and other cultures. I tried to capture the romance of faraway places and the majesty of the setting sun. $800.00

Snow Moon

2011-02-04T11:33:00.007-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 9x12

Since the heaviest snow usually falls in the month of February, Native American tribes of the north and east called this month's full moon the Snow Moon. We just dug out from the Blizzard of 2011 in Wisconsin and I gotta say the name seems very appropriate. $600.00

Mesa Verde, Colorado

2011-01-31T16:47:00.009-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 12x16

Searching for stray cattle, two cowboys discovered these magnificent ruins in 1888. Abandoned by the cliff dwellers in the 13th century, and now a national park, they inspire awe in visitors today just as they did hundreds of years ago. Available from the artist for $800.00.

Ta Prohm Cambodia

2011-01-06T14:58:00.009-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is another in my "Bucket List" paintings and is loosely based on the Temple of Ta Prohm. This ancient ruin was also used as a location in the film "Tomb Raider". I added the Buddhist monks in their saffron robes for a touch of color. Available from the artist for $800.00.

Allen Bradley Clock Tower - Milwaukee

2010-12-30T12:22:00.012-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another Milwaukee landmark, this was listed in Guinness World Records as the world's largest four-faced clock. It's also been called the Polish Moon referring to the historically Polish neighborhood where it is located. I think that the "three moons" make for an interesting contrast between man-made and natural illumination. Available from the artist for $600.00

The Treasury of Petra

2010-12-29T07:05:00.008-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This famous location was featured in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", as a secret temple. That is actually what it was when rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johan Ludwig Burkhardt in 1812. It is located near Jordan and is carved into the sandstone cliffs and is also called the Rose Red City. This is another place on my Bucket List! Available from the artist for $800.00

Christmas Tree Delivery

2010-12-24T12:31:00.004-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

This farmer's old truck is lumbering down a snow covered dirt road delivering a Christmas tree to his family in 1940's rural Wisconsin. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you and thanks for your support and encouragement throughout the year! $640.00

Snow for Christmas!

2010-12-21T16:08:00.014-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

I started this painting last night as the snow piled up outside the gallery and finished it this afternoon to the sound of snowblowers. This is a typical winter evening in Wisconsin ...what's all that about global warming? Available from the artist for $800.00

A Special Gift

2010-12-18T08:28:00.010-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

I just realized that with mini lites, LED bulbs, and battery powered flicker lights, this is really a nostalgic painting with an old fashioned screw-in light bulb! Christmas is approaching fast but hopefully there's still time to find that special gift (probably jewelry, right?). Available from the artist for $800.00.

Coastal Waves

2010-12-15T13:34:00.011-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 12x16

This painting is based on a fabulous trip to San Diego, California to visit my cousin Jackie Ann and her husband Bill. We traveled north through Los Angeles and then along the coast on highway 101 past Big Sur and all the way to Monterey. We also visited Hearst's Castle in San Simeon and took the tour. I guess all our recent snow and frigid weather has got me thinking nostalgiclly about warmer places. Available from the artist for $800.00

Christmas Morning

2010-12-13T12:17:00.008-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

I wanted to show the dawn of winter morning with the warm yellow sunlight breaking through the snow covered trees and lighting up a secluded forest stream. I titled it "Christmas Morning" because the best gift of all is a new day. Available from the artist for $950.00.

October at Holy Hill

2010-12-08T10:20:00.009-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Although I painted this last year, somehow I forgot to post it. I have painted this subject many times and I hope to paint it many more. The church looks like a fairy tale castle when seen from a distance against the sky. My Dad and I were on a drive to enjoy the fall colors when I stopped to take a few reference photos of this view. Available from the artist for $950.00, prints also available.

Beachcombers

2010-12-01T09:57:00.007-06:00

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

Got our first Wisconsin snow today so naturally I thought about warmer destinations. Here's a couple walking the beach at some tropical locale. SOLD

Snowfall in Cathedral Square - Milwaukee

2010-11-30T13:44:00.009-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The Cathedral of Saint John is a Milwaukee landmark and just east of the small city park. In the summer Jazz in the Park is held here and in the winter it's decorated with lights and holiday displays. We like to take a ride downtown to see the lights during the holiday season. Available from the artist for $950.00

Moonscape

2010-11-26T16:56:00.009-06:00

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

This painting almost painted itself. I was in the zone, music playing and my brush just danced across the surface of the canvas until it was finished. I think I heard the frigid winds howling over the snow covered mountain while the baleful moon glowed above. I'm glad this wasn't a Plein Air painting. Available from the artist for $800.00

Dusk

2010-11-23T11:30:00.009-06:00

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This small study was painted to capture that fleeting moment just before the sun sinks below the horizon and night begins. I wanted to soften and blur the edges to show that dreamlike stillness before darkness decends. SOLD

Cobblestone Cat

2010-11-19T20:18:00.011-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

When I tried to take this guy's photo he was not very cooperative. He turned his back on me and stalked away. I followed him snapping pictures as he ignored me and made his escape. I like the composition and the odd shadow on the stone pavers. Available from the artist for $800.00

Milwaukee City Hall

2010-11-14T14:09:00.013-06:00

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x20

Milwaukee's City Hall is an impressive architectural achievement and it has been recently renovated. This scene reminds me of leaving the Performance Arts Center on a rainy night after enjoying a play. That's me in the white minivan. Gallery wrapped 1.5" canvas, no frame required. Available from the artist for $1200.00.

Snow Shadows

2010-11-10T07:40:00.010-06:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

A crisp winter morning with the sun just rising over a snow covered park. Available from the artist for $950.00.

Juneau Park Milwaukee

2010-10-20T12:33:00.019-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This statue of Milwaukee pioneer, Solomon Juneau, stands vigil in a snow covered park overlooking Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee. Available for $600.00

Thin Ice

2010-10-13T09:24:00.010-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

This is Wisconsin in November where winter seems to come early and leave late. This painting could be of an early thaw or an early freeze. There is a cold dampness in the misty air that seems to settle in your bones and makes you long for warmth and sunshine, but there's also a quiet and somber beauty. Available from the artist for $950.00

Technicolor Afternoon

2010-10-03T14:04:00.012-05:00

Original Painting Acrylic on stretched canvas 20x16

I experimented with Primary Blue in this painting instead of my usual more subdued Ultramarine blue. It's a strong pigment but I think it was perfect for this tranquil nature scene. Available from the artist for $950.00

The Red Witch

2010-10-02T11:14:00.010-05:00

Original Acrylic Painting 24x20 on Canvas

This is a favorite of mine! With Halloween just around the corner, this lady and her familiar are ready to put a spell on you. Available from the artist for $1200.00

Stone Garden Angel

2010-09-21T11:56:00.010-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 16x20

This stone angel was standing outside a weathered barn at Northwind Perrenial Farms near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Available from the artist for $950.00

Cincinnati Skyline

2010-09-03T10:10:00.009-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for 4 years from 1984 to 1988. This is a view of Riverfront Stadium and the bridge across the Ohio river to Kentucky. It's a great city and I have many fond memories of our friends that we met while there and the beautiful scenery along the river. Available from the artist for $950.00.

The Pumpkin Tree

2010-08-31T09:51:00.014-05:00

Original Painting 24x20 Acrylic on Canvas

As the sun sets, black cats and glowing jack-o-lanterns prepare for Halloween night! This is my favorite spooky painting commemorating one of my favorite times of the year. Original in collection of the artist, but prints and Giclees' are available in 4 sizes. Click here for prints

Original available for $1200.00

Stone Bridge

2010-08-17T14:29:00.012-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 16x20

Available for purchase $950.00

The old stone bridge almost leans against the trees in this autumn landscape. Kinda looks like the bridge Ichabod Crane rode across pursued by the headless horseman, doesn't it?

Wood Nymph

2010-08-13T17:17:00.010-05:00

Original Acrylic Painting on stretched canvas 16x20

Available for purchase $950.00

The light values of this painting are very thick impasto, much more textured than I usually paint. I wanted to invoke the sylvan feeling of a wilderness forest stream and the innocent nude woman preparing to enter the water.

Mississippi Dawn

2010-08-12T12:31:00.007-05:00

Original Acrylic Painting on panel 18x24

I love the nostalgic feel of this painting. The majestic riverboat in the morning mist was loosely based on the paddlewheeler in the movie musical, Showboat. Makes me want to hum "Old Man River". NFS (artists' collection)

City Rain

2010-07-29T12:28:00.013-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 24x20

I love a rainy day! The reflections on wet pavement, the scurrying crowds, and the swish of tires as traffic splashes through the puddles and the softened edges of the city itself.Available for purchase $1200.00

Window Table

2010-07-12T08:25:00.006-05:00

Original Painting - 9x12 Acrylic on Canvas panel

This is a small quick study of my own kitchen table. I especially liked the morning light reflecting off the surfaces of the floor and glass topped table. $600.00 includes shipping

The Chicken Strut

2010-07-10T15:41:00.007-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched Canvas 16x20

It was fun painting my fine feathered friends. This is a departure from my usual subject matter, but I'm happy with the results. SOLD

Seascape with Lighthouse, "The Beacon"

2010-06-27T10:45:00.008-05:00

Original Acrylic on canvas panel 9x12

This small study was completed to demonstrate the power of dramatic contrasts in landscape and seascape paintings. SOLD

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2010-06-16T13:56:00.007-05:00

The life of a professional artist without celebrity status or international fame, is as mundane as anyone else’s life … Shopping for groceries, gassing up the mini-van, cutting the lawn, and watching TV. What is different is this crazy urge we artists have to produce images using dabs of colored paint and brushes. We labor endlessly trying to create a masterpiece, or at the very least, an acceptable painting that someone else may like enough to purchase. We fret about things like color contrast, perspective, values and subject matter. No one, or very few, even care about our work - but it doesn’t seem to matter. I can no more quit painting than I can quit breathing. It’s something I must do. It may not be the most lucrative profession, but it is a true calling and every once in awhile I am transported to another place of dazzling color and light where every brushstroke is perfect and where the image in my mind is also on my canvas. No one gets to live in this perfect world, but artists get to visit and sometimes they can take others there too. - Keep Painting and Keep Smiling. - Tom Shropshire

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." ~Twyla Tharp

Chicago Skyline

2010-06-11T09:38:00.015-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

The man made cliffs of steel against a backdrop of clouds with glittering city lights, is a subject that I always return to. Available from the artist for $950.00

Don Quixote

2010-06-08T08:58:00.011-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas panel 12x9

This was a classroom demonstration for a painting from life exercise. This small wood carving of Don Quixote has been in my studio for at least 25 years. Cervantes' Spanish hero was an impractical idealist. Like all artists, I've tilted at my share of windmills over the years. Available from the artist for $600.00

UFO's Scouting Party

2010-05-18T15:49:00.012-05:00

UFO's - A Scouting Party

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

I've never seen a flying saucer but the idea of them intrigues me. I wanted to show three of them mysteriously appearing above a tranquil and serene unpopulated landscape. Available from the artist for $950.00 (includes shipping & handling)

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

2010-05-14T13:33:00.005-05:00

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 9x12

I guess this scene expresses my Scottish ancestry. A beautiful castle located in Scotland. NFS

Joan of Arc Monument, Paris

2010-05-11T11:59:00.016-05:00

Joan of Arc Monument

Original Acrylic on Canvas Panel 20x16

This gilded statue at Place Des Pyramides in the heart of Paris is a popular tourist site. Available from the artist for $950.00

Milwaukee Art Museum architect Santiago Calatrava

2010-05-05T12:01:00.018-05:00

High Tide Milwaukee Art Museum

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 20x24

The Calatrava design of the Milwaukee Art Museum on Lake Michigan is a spectacular achievement in beauty and engineering. The open "wings" of the Burke Brise Soleil in this view reminded me of the tail fin of a gigantic sea creature diving beneath the waves. The Quadracci Pavilion is used here as an icon of art and civilization being swept away by the forces of nature in a cataclysmic event of epic proportions. I actually painted a similar theme over 30 years ago using the Milwaukee War Memorial as my subject. Perhaps I'll post a photo of the earlier piece at a later date. Available from the artist for $1200.00 (Shipping and Handling included)