Seascape with Lighthouse, "The Beacon"

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

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

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. city lights canvas prints

Don Quixote

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

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. See more ufo art here; ufo art

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

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

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

 High Tide at the Calatrava - 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.

Portrait/Character Study - Carnival worker

The Carny

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

I painted this character study quite some time ago. I have it hanging in my studio where I see it every day. The timeworn features and piercing stare tell of a hard life and a less-than-friendly disposition. For now I'm keeping this fellow in my private collection. NFS - Tom Shropshire

Hourglass and Dragon with Chinese Symbol

Time & Justice

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x8

The carved wooden Dragon perched on top of the hourglass symbolizes wisdom, the hourglass, time, and the circle contains the Chinese symbol for justice. Gallery wrapped, no frame necessary. Available from the artist for $650.00

Eagle and the Unicorn

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 48x36

I tried to capture the epic feel of Heroic Art which often depicts dramatic battle scenes and features larger than life images. This is a huge painting and it hangs in my home. Luckily the room has a vaulted ceiling and can handle a painting this large. NFS - Tom

"Fishing the Marsh"

Original Acrylic on Canvas 24x20

This scene reminds me of the marshy areas and Cranberry bogs up in northern Wisconsin. Available from the artist for $1200.00

Seascape Painting "Rocky Shore"

Original Painting Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

Chicago at Night

Chicago at Night

Original Acrylic Painting - 16x20 on canvas

Another painting in my "City at Night" series. chicago prints

B.J. Wentkers on a Rainy Night

Original Acrylic on Canvas 12x16 SOLD

This is a painting of B.J. Wentker's Restaurant, in Burlington, Wisconsin, owned and operated by my daughter, Tanya Peterson and husband, Chef Eric Peterson. I may be biased, but many others have said that they had the best meal of their lives in this first class dining venue.Contemporary cuisine in a historic setting, says it all. The original painting is displayed in the dining room of the restaurant, but Canvas Giclees' are available in a limited edition of 25. Image size 16x12 for $150.

Sunset Sky Painting, "Spires in Silhouette"

Spires in Silhouette

Original Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

I love to contrast buildings against the brilliant colors of the sky at sunset or sunrise. Even man's grandest architectural creations seem paltry when shown against the glories of nature. Available from the artist for $950.

Painting Sunset Reflections

Flood Stage on the River

Original Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

This is the finished painting that was begun as a demonstration for "The Gathering", an artist's group in Burlington, Wisconsin. The submerged tree reminded me of the flooding we experienced on the Fox River two years ago. Available from the artist for $950.

City Nocturne

City Nocturne

Original Painting Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

The city lights at night have always held a fascination for me. There is an excitement about the urban landscape cloaked in darkness that feels both compelling and dangerous.cityscape canvas prints

Castle of the Mountain King

Castle of the Mountain King

Original Acrylic on canvas 20x16

"...towering above the frozen wasteland, the castle of the Mountain King caught the last rays of the dying sun." Available from the artist for $950.

Maker's Mark

Happy Hour

Original Acrylic on canvas 12x9

A still life painting of my favorite bourbon. Each bottle is hand-dipped and sealed with melted red wax. The distillery is a designated historic site and I toured it on a trip to Kentucky with my older brother, sister, dad, and my son. We were attending the annual Shropshire family reunion in Paris, Kentucky about 12 years ago. And yes, I drank the shot when the painting was completed. Available from the artist for $225.

Abstract Painting - Blue Planet #2

The Blue Planet #2

Original Acrylic on Canvas 12x16

This small, but I think, powerful painting is a favorite of mine and is a keeper. NFS

Abstract Painting - Solar Flare

Solar Flare

Original Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

My class wanted to try their hand at Abstract Expressionism and this was my demonstration piece. Actually, the start of the painting was done in class and I finished it later in my studio as usual. I always enjoy a change of pace that non-objective painting gives me. Available for $500.

Character Study Portrait, "Flowered Hat Plus Attitude"

Flowered Hat Plus Attitude

Original Acrylicon Canvas 16x20

This was a class demonstration. I love the haughty look of the woman and the dramatic shading produced by the hat. Available for $640.

Advanced Acrylic Class With Tom

Back row left to right; Hannah Both, Dean Anderson, and Margie Pierson.

Here are some talented artists hard at work!

Advanced Acrylic Class

Sometimes a little wine is just what we need

Here's six of the Magnificent Seven - From left to right and front to back, we have;

Mary Reschke, Vera Frosch, Colleen Kroll, Shannon Northrop, Margie Pearson, and Dean Anderson hiding behind his easel. Hannah Both is not pictured here.

Joey and furry Murray BFF's

Joey and Murray BFF

Original Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

This is a painting of my Grandson, Joey, and his best friend Murray. And although they look nothing alike, Murray is the brother of my dog, his sister, Cassie the pooch (same litter). I think I captured both of their personalities. SOLD

Winter Scene Painting, "The Skaters"

The Skaters

Original Painting 16x20 - Acrylic on Canvas

I painted this while the snow was falling outside my studio. Another big storm is headed our way tomorrow. The snow can be a real problem, but it sure is beautiful. I hope you enjoy this nostalgic winter scene just two days before Christmas.

Winter Scene Painting, "Bridge in Central Park"

Bridge in Central Park

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

I painted this for the holiday feeling. With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to paint a snow scene of Central Park showing the snow falling and the buildings in the back ground. This is a location I have painted several other times and I probably will again. NFS collection of the artist.

NOW AVAILABLE! Autumn at Holy Hill

Autumn at Holy Hill

Limited Edition Fine Art Canvas Giclee' 16x20

This painting of Holy Hill in southeastern Wisconsin is available for the first time in a limited edition Giclee' on stretched canvas. Each canvas includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed and numbered by the artist.

The glow of the setting sun creates a magical backdrop for the hazy spires of the church as a small herd of deer graze below. Available from the artist for $200.

Halloween Night, "Trick-or-Treat"

Trick-or-Treat

Original painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 16x20

I love Halloween and the fall of the year. I remember the good old days when kids would go Trick-or-Treating at night. It was fun and spooky and I wanted to capture that feeling again.

Cat Painting - Moe

Moe

Original Acrylic on Canvas 8x8

I painted my dog so naturally to be fair I had to paint the cat as well. This is a 15 yr.old male cat that is very vocal and easily annoyed. He is the reason that all of my clothes, regardless of material, can all be classified as mohair.

Dog Painting - Cassie

Cassie

Original Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This painting of my dog was done as a class demonstration and is not for sale ... Man's best friend and all. She's a mixed breed mutt but we think of her as a designer dog. part Terrier, spaniel, groundhog, Koala bear, etc. I don't know how we ever lived without her. She's a "Good Girl".

Seascape painting "Neptune's Finger"

Neptune's Finger

Original painting - Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas 24x36

There is a rock formation in Cabo San Lucas that inspired this painting. Other than the rock itself, the rest was pure imagination. Available from the artist for $1200.00

Celebrating the Heart-land

My sister's 172 page book of poetry is now available. This exquisite collection of poems, stunning photographs, and a cover featuring one of my paintings, is a book you will enjoy reading over and over again. Linda is an artist that paints with words and she creates beautiful images on the canvas of your mind. Click on the caption above the book for a link to her Jericho Creek Farms website with ordering information. While you're there check out photos of their Morab horses. - Tom

Grand Opening

Grand Opening

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x8

This is my favorite cork remover! It makes even a cheap bottle of wine look important. Gallery wrapped canvas ...no frame required. Available from the artist for $250.00

Here's a few activities @ River Birch Gallery; Acrylic painting classes on Thursdays and Life Drawing on Mondays.

Abstract painting - Harbor Lights

Harbor Lights

Original Painting - 20x24 Acrylic on canvas

The blues are actually a richer tone than I was able to capture with the camera. Available from the artist for $500.00

City Lights

CityLights

Original Painting - 20x16

This is another painting in the ongoing "City at Night" series. I wanted to convey the impression of city lights through a wet windshield. SOLD

City night scene, "Chicago at Dusk"

Chicago at Dusk

16x20 Original painting - Acrylic on canvas

This painting began as a demonstration for my art classes at River Birch Gallery and was later completed in my studio. chicago canvas prints

 

City night scene, "Chicago Night"

 Chicago Night

24x20 Original - Acrylic on stretched canvas

I love city night scenes and I have since I was very young. I did many watercolor paintings of the subject, but I never could quite achieve the effects I wanted. Acrylics are the perfect media for this subject and I intend to create many more semi-abstract paintings of the city lights glittering like stars in the sky. chicago paintings

Stonehenge, "Megalitic Monuments"

Megalithic Monuments

16x20 Original - Acrylic on stretched canvas

This painting is based loosely on the stone monuments at Stonehenge. I never realized that there are many other similar ancient sites around the world. Available from the artist for $640.00

River Birch Gallery

Dick & Marcy Gay viewing the show

My paintings on display at River Birch Gallery in Burlington, Wisconsin. Sculptures are by Richard Arfsten.

Fantasy painting Fairy, "Angie"

Angie

16x20 original - Acrylic on Canvas

This is a painting of my grand daughter in her ballet outfit. Added the fairy wings for the fun of it. NFS

Fantasy Surrealism, "Back to the Basics"

Back to the Basics

24x36 Original - Acrylic on Canvas

This post-apocalyptic scene set amidst the bombed-out ruins of a city shows a return to a simpler lifestyle. Available from the artist for $800.00

Abstract painting - Hidden Gesture

Hidden Gesture

24x36 Original - Acrylic on canvas

Here's a bit of a departure from my usual style. Although, if you saw my work in the 60's and 70's you wouldn't be surprised at all. I've always painted "Traditional with a twist" in a realistic style, but I was also known for my large abstract paintings. It was very refreshing to switch styles for this retro-painting and I know that there will be more abstracts to follow.

Bird painting, "Early Flight"

Early Flight

20x24 Original - Acrylic on canvas

Sunrise in the marsh! Available from the artist for $900.00