Benjamin Thomas Paintings

Artist Comments
In this tonal landscape, artist Benjamin Thomas employs contrasting hues to evoke a vibrant scene. Using a palette knife instead of brushes, he layers and blend...

Artist Comments
I was on a rooftop parking garage looking for the last space to park, in a hurry for a meeting with friends, when I saw this sky. Yes, I was late getting together with my friends, and my wife was patient while I recorded all the colors and shapes. After I painted this she was happy with the painting, and so was I, for it worked out as a balanced canvas of real and abstract. My friends were ok too after I bought a round. Enjoy!

About the Artist
Benjamin Thomas has been painting since the late seventies, however for most of this time he was not exhibiting his work. About twelve years ago, Benjamin and his wife were at a gallery show for a friend and as they were leaving Ben’s wife, aka “The Muse,” told him to go back in. “Your work is as good as that--maybe even better,” she said. That night, Benjamin obeyed The Muse (lucky for us!). The impressionistic sweeps of sky and cloud in Benjamin’s paintings capture more than just an atmospheric quality, but also a heavenly interpretation of the landscape. There is a classical, mature style to the paintings, reminiscent of J.M.W. Turner. Benjamin is often inspired while bicycling, walking or motorcycling, taking in the scenery of Pittsburgh, PA. He takes photos of the scene and then works out the concept back in his studio. The large scale of the work matches the impression and mood that each scene conveys, and the light and shadow are carefully balanced to capture something mercurial and nostalgic. The work feels very measured and contemplated, but also full of passion, as if each piece is in pursuit of the joy of painting and the representation of natural beauty.

Heaven on Earth...

Artist Comments
Sunset along the coast. Dark crimson clouds float over the glowing blue water. In the foreground, the landscape radiates with yellow and red. Benjamin explain...

Artist Comments
While driving west on Bahia Vista Road in Florida, artist Benjamin Thomas, his wife, and their dog, Gaia, noticed the sky turning into a breathtaking display...

Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas depicts a luminous sky with tonal hues of grey with soft purple accents. Finally, he paints his favorite color in a sky painting. "My d...

Artist Comments
"I painted this piece after a smaller version of the image, which sold before I even had a chance to title it," says Benjamin. "One of my peer painters remark...

Artist Comments
The sun shines bright, filling the sky with fiery colors. Constant TV news rumbles in the background, pushing its chaos into the present. Matters of the planet,...

Artist Comments
Much of artist Benjamin Thomas's work is rooted in memory and mistakes rather than direct observation of life. After learning from his painting mishaps, he no...

Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas portrays a luminous horizon where loose brushstrokes and blurred outlines create a sense of ambiguity. The nuances of blues create dept...

Artist Comments
"When starting a work the most overlooked detail is the size of the canvas," says artist Benjamin Thomas. He explains why the size of his canvases has recentl...

Artist Comments
Fiery clouds drift across the sky, creating a mesmerizing display of color. Broad and swift brushstrokes capture their fleeting beauty. Artist Benjamin Thomas s...

Artist Comments
The colors of the sky shifted quickly during an evening walk, prompting artist Benjamin Thomas to capture its marmalade appeal. Bright orange and pastel pink cl...

Artist Comments
Fiery colors light up the sky as the sun sets over calm water. When asked about his process, artist Benjamin Thomas shared that creating this piece took time. H...

Artist Comments
After learning from his painting mistakes, artist Benjamin Thomas now embraces experimentation. He notes that using a palette knife to apply paint quickly oft...

Artist Comments
Artist Benjamin Thomas paints a cross between abstract and realism to express raw emotion. When asked if his work always comes with the balance of both, Benja...