Skip to main content

Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

American, b. 1940

Tom Perkinson, born in Indiana in 1940, has become distinguished as a regional painter, known for his work grounded in the visually dramatic landscape of the Southwest. As a child, Perkinson discovered he had a love for the natural landscape and a talent for art. He fostered that talent through classes at the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis and then at the Chicago Art Academy upon graduating from high school. He received a degree in art from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1964, before moving on to graduate school at the University of New Mexico. Here, he continued to paint the landscape and it was this work that began to reflect a new fascination with the Southwest. He had found what would become an infinite source of inspiration. Influenced by early painters of the southern Indiana landscape, painters like T. C. Steele, Vawter, Schultze and Forsythe, Perkinson’s early work focused on landscape, still life and city scenes. As his love of the New Mexico landscape grew, his work matured, finding influence in J.M.W. Turner, George Inness and James Mcneill Whistler. Soon, a distinctive, sprung-from-the-imagination style he came to describe as romantic realism began evolving. “None of these places exist”, he says, “I just make them up as I paint them." It was this preference for spontaneity that led to watercolor as his preferred medium. After more than four decades now as an artist painting New Mexico, Perkinson has built a prolific career. His work is included in private and public collections across the globe and he is represented in the collections of many museums, including the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe, the University Art Museum in Albuquerque and the Eiteljorg Museum of Western Art in Indianapolis. His work is also included in the May 2006 book titled Landscapes of New Mexico, Paintings From the Land of Enchantment. He currently resides in Corrales, New Mexico, where he has lived for 20 years with his wife, renowned jewelry artist Louise Perkinson.

to
2
2
1
2
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
5
2
3
1
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
4
4
4
4
17
1,054
516
358
293
4
4
5
Artist: Tom Perkinson
"Sioux Camp" Original Mixed Media on Paper Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"Sioux Camp" Original Mixed Media on Paper Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"Sioux Camp" Original Mixed Media on Paper Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"Sioux Camp," an original mixed media on paper by Tom Perkinson, is a piece for the true collector. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes color to almost-otherworldly realms. The viewer is invited to step into the painting to explore the scene within and imagine gazing at an easel of a plein-air painter with the blue sky, clouds, and grasses in full view. Here, Perkinson chose to depict a Sioux settlement. A fire with smoke rising helps set the stage for day turning to night. The scene is filled with activity. Women watching over playing children. A father teaching a lesson. A group of three or more watching over the horses. Others occupy the settlement out of view. Perkinson describes his style of painting as "Romantic Realism," a technique that incorporates two iconic art movements. This style, in combination with the imagination of the artist, produces remarkable results, showcasing Perkinson's keen ability to capture emotion, nature, and life - all in a brushstroke. Both his technical talent and choice of subject matter pair perfectly with its carved, custom, antique-finish, gilt frame. This masterful work would make a great addition to an art collection and enhance most any home, perfect for those who have an affinity for landscapes, impressionism, romanticism, realism, Southwestern Art, Native American themed art, plein-air painting, and nature. "The Sioux nation were the largest of all the Native American tribes and consisted of three divisions which were based on their location, dialect and their subculture. The Sioux tribe originally lived along the upper Mississippi in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. They were forced west by the French and their Chippewa allies. During the migration west to the Great Plains, the tribe split into three divisions - the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota. The names Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota all mean "Allies" or "Confederates." The Sioux tribe fiercely resisted the white encroachment of the Great Plains. The names of the most famous chiefs who led the Sioux tribe into battle were Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Chief Gall, Crazy Horse, Rain in the Face, and Kicking Bear. Famous conflicts included the Sioux Wars (1854-1890), Red Cloud's War (1865-1868), the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn, and the 1890 Ghost Dance...

Category

1980s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Butterfly
Butterfly

Tom PerkinsonButterfly, 1974

$1,250Sale Price|50% Off

Butterfly

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

TOM PERKINSON "BUTTERFLY" MIXED MEDIA, SIGNED AMERICAN, DATED 1974 21.5 X 21 INCHES Tom Perkinson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was raised in the country, and developed ...

Category

1970s Surrealist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil

Rare Early Work, Mixed Media on Paper Realist Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed
Rare Early Work, Mixed Media on Paper Realist Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

Rare Early Work, Mixed Media on Paper Realist Landscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

Untitled Landscape, an original mixed media on paper by Tom Perkinson, is a piece for the true collector. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes ...

Category

1970s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Color Pencil

"Ahote" (from Hopi Indian culture) Mixed Media on Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"Ahote" (from Hopi Indian culture) Mixed Media on Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"Ahote" (from Hopi Indian culture) Mixed Media on Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"Ahote," an original mixed media on paper by Tom Perkinson, is a piece for the true collector. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes color to almost-otherworldly realms. Perkinson describes his style of painting as "Romantic Realism," a technique that incorporates two iconic art movements. This style, in combination with the imagination of the artist, produces remarkable results, showcasing Perkinson's keen ability to capture emotion, nature, and life - all in a brushstroke. Both his technical talent and choice of subject matter pair nicely with its original wood frame with hand painted accents. This masterful work is perfect for those who have an affinity for art depicting American Indian culture, Plains Indians, Hopi Indians...

Category

1980s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Mixed Media, Color Pencil

"Fennell" Original Mixed Media on Board Floralscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"Fennell" Original Mixed Media on Board Floralscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"Fennell" Original Mixed Media on Board Floralscape by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"Fennell," an original mixed media on board by Tom Perkinson, is a piece for the true collector. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes color to ...

Category

1980s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Related Items
Supermodels in Vogue, Watercolor Fashion Painting
Supermodels in Vogue, Watercolor Fashion Painting

Supermodels in Vogue, Watercolor Fashion Painting

By Manuel Santelices

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The artist has covered New York collections for over 16 years and has interviewed, as a journalist, several fashion designers and personalities for different publications. He loves t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

Menton French Riviera Rooftops Seascape Pastel Pierre Neveu
Menton French Riviera Rooftops Seascape Pastel Pierre Neveu

Menton French Riviera Rooftops Seascape Pastel Pierre Neveu

By Pierre Neveu

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Menton French Riviera Rooftops Seascape Pastel Pierre Neveu Artist: Pierre Neveu (French b.1929) Medium: Pastel on thick paper, unframed Size (H...

Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil, Pastel

The Whispers Had Changed - Figurative Portrait Watercolor Graphite Artwork
The Whispers Had Changed - Figurative Portrait Watercolor Graphite Artwork

The Whispers Had Changed - Figurative Portrait Watercolor Graphite Artwork

By Amanda Immurs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amanda Immurs, an artist hailing from Hamilton, Canada, creates enchanting watercolor artworks that bring whimsical scenes of children, animals, and flora to life. Immurs' art is gro...

Category

2010s Modern Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Graphite

Provence Countryside Olive Trees Pastel Landscape Pierre Neveu
Provence Countryside Olive Trees Pastel Landscape Pierre Neveu

Provence Countryside Olive Trees Pastel Landscape Pierre Neveu

By Pierre Neveu

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Provence Countryside Olive Trees Pastel Landscape Pierre Neveu Artist: Pierre Neveu (French b.1929) Medium: Pastel on thick paper, unframed Size (H x W): 19.75 x 25.75 inches ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

'Still Life', Louvre, California Post-Impressionist, LACMA, Académie Chaumière
'Still Life', Louvre, California Post-Impressionist, LACMA, Académie Chaumière

'Still Life', Louvre, California Post-Impressionist, LACMA, Académie Chaumière

By Victor Di Gesu

Located in Santa Cruz, CA

Estate stamp, verso, for Victor di Gesu (American, 1914-1988) and painted circa 1955. Winner of the Prix Othon Friesz, Victor di Gesu first attended the Los Angeles Art Center and t...

Category

1950s Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Laid Paper, Graphite

A Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Manhattan Scene, New York City by Francis Chapin
A Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Manhattan Scene, New York City by Francis Chapin

A Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Manhattan Scene, New York City by Francis Chapin

By Francis Chapin

Located in Chicago, IL

A Large, Dynamic 1950s Mid-Century Modern Watercolor of Lower Manhattan, New York City by Noted Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). The image is watercolor, pastel and c...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Archival Paper, Charcoal, Pastel

Modern Figurative Surrealist Watercolor Painting, Drawing 'Prince of Innocence'
Modern Figurative Surrealist Watercolor Painting, Drawing 'Prince of Innocence'

Modern Figurative Surrealist Watercolor Painting, Drawing 'Prince of Innocence'

By Gary Hansmann

Located in Surfside, FL

Angelic boy with a devil figure. Gary Hansmann (1947-2008) was active/lived in California. He is known for abstract, Surrealism figure painting. Gary William Hansmann was born Dec. ...

Category

1980s Surrealist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, India Ink, Watercolor

Mathieu ROSIANU (1897-1969), untitled, circa 1945, gouache
Mathieu ROSIANU (1897-1969), untitled, circa 1945, gouache

Mathieu ROSIANU (1897-1969), untitled, circa 1945, gouache

By Mathieu Rosianu

Located in PARIS, FR

Mathieu (Matei) ROSIANU (1897-1969) Untitled, circa 1945 Gouache on card stock Stamped on the reverse side 4 x 3 inch frame : 11,8 × 11,8 inch Born in Bucharest in 1897 to a father...

Category

1940s Surrealist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Houses in Zoar, Ohio Landscape, Early 20th Century Cleveland School
Houses in Zoar, Ohio Landscape, Early 20th Century Cleveland School

Houses in Zoar, Ohio Landscape, Early 20th Century Cleveland School

By August F. Biehle

Located in Beachwood, OH

August Frederick Biehle (1885-1979) Houses in Zoar, c. 1921 Gouache, litho crayon, colored pencil and graphite on paper Signed lower right 14 x 19 inches 20.25 x 25.25 inches, framed...

Category

1920s American Modern Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Crayon, Gouache, Color Pencil, Graphite

Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy Artwork on Paper
Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy Artwork on Paper

Passing Clouds - Colorful Whimsical Figurative Feminine Fantasy Artwork on Paper

By Silvia Pavarini

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Italian painter Silvia Pavarini is known for her distinctly feminine artworks that resonate with the quiet whispers of nature. Each piece she creates embodies an ongoing dialogue wit...

Category

2010s Surrealist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Pencil

Latent
Latent

Sandy LitchfieldLatent, 2024

$1,650

H 19 in W 15 in D 1.5 in

Latent

By Sandy Litchfield

Located in New York, NY

Sandy Litchfield’s "Latent" reflects her signature approach of transforming landscapes into lyrical, abstracted visions. Drawing from memory, walking, and direct observation, Litchfi...

Category

2010s Contemporary Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Gouache, Archival Paper, Color Pencil

Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer
Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer

Original Parisian Vintage Jewelry Design Art by Van Cleef & Boucheron Designer

By Paul Touzet

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Golden Wave A Crest of Elegance and Diamonds circa mid 20th century by Paul Touzet (French b. 1917) original gouache painting, with pencil on tracing paper, unframed overall design o...

Category

Mid-20th Century French School Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil

Previously Available Items
"1940 - New Mexico Farmers" Orig. Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"1940 - New Mexico Farmers" Orig. Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"1940 - New Mexico Farmers" Orig. Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"1940 - New Mexico Farmers" is an original mixed media on board by Tom Perkinson. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes color to almost-otherwor...

Category

1970s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Color Pencil

"Christmas 1986" Original Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"Christmas 1986" Original Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"Christmas 1986" Original Mixed Media on Board by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"Christmas 1986" is an original mixed media on board by Tom Perkinson. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resplendent oranges pushes color to almost-otherworldly realms...

Category

1980s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Color Pencil

"1940 - Children at Play" Mixed Media on Heavy Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed
"1940 - Children at Play" Mixed Media on Heavy Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed

"1940 - Children at Play" Mixed Media on Heavy Paper by Tom Perkinson, Framed

By Tom Perkinson

Located in Encino, CA

"1940 - Children at Play," an original mixed media on heavy paper cardstock by Tom Perkinson, is a piece for the true collector. His use of saturated violets, vivid yellows, and resp...

Category

1970s Realist Tom Perkinson Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Pastel, Ink, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Tom Perkinson drawings and watercolor paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Tom Perkinson drawings and watercolor paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Tom Perkinson in mixed media, color pencil, crayon and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Surrealist style. Not every interior allows for large Tom Perkinson drawings and watercolor paintings, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of John Button, Patsy McArthur, and Kamsar Ohanyan. Tom Perkinson drawings and watercolor paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $8,000, while the average work can sell for $1,900.