Thomas Blackshear

Thomas Blackshear - Is an African-American Artist with an ability to catch the essence of his characters to the point that they look alive. He was born in Waco, Texas and his family soon moved to Atlanta, Georgia. While other boys would be out playing sports, Blackshear was doing his passion drawing. As he grew, so did his passion. After high school, furthered his education, and refining his trade in drawing, by going to the Art Institute of Chicago and later transferring to the Academy of Art. His list of accomplishments is exceptional, by anyones standards. With working being applauded by Society of Illustrators' awarding him the Gold Medal and such clients as Disney Pictures, George Lucas Studios, Universal Studios, Embassy Pictures, The Hamilton Group, Lee Jeans, Jim Henson Studios, Milton Bradley, National Geographic, Seven-Up, Coca-Cola, Sunrise, International Wildlife. As if this list wasn't enough, he also done work for the 700 club and more. By now you've figured it out. He is gifted and knows what he's doing. I could write much more on his awards and achievements, but that would be over kill.

Thomas Blackshear uses many different mediums of art covering such art work as paintings, postage stamps , figurines, busts and sculptures. to name a few. With the ability to be so versatile, it's no wonder he is so well like and has work being shown in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. He has the ability to capture the essences of the inner soul of his characters and more. With emphasis being placed in the areas of spiritual, Jesus is a major figure that is used in his work, but by no means is the only characters that are used. He captures the Afracan-American essence completely. It's incredible how life-like his work is. Some are very "common" place in our society , that there is no doubt in my mind that you too, have seen them.

I've talked a lot about his burning desire for drawing, his achievements and mediums. Now, I'd like to give you a series of examples of work that he's done. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have and do