American, b. 1970

Thomas Kegler is an accomplished contemporary realist painter and art instructor from the Western New York area. His traditional oil paintings of landscapes, still life, and figures draw from the Masters' approach to the canvas. From the local familiar hills of Western New York and the Catskills to the majestic mountains of Alaska and Oregon, the act of painting is an opportunity to recall moving personal experiences. Revisiting the processes and techniques of the Old Masters in light of classical and contemporary subjects guides his expression of life's subtleties. Thomas is active presenting to groups, critiquing and judging shows, and organizing various art-related events in New York.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
Throughout my work, I strive to bring an awareness and respect for God’s creations and their temporal qualities. They provide an infinite supply of beauty and inspiration. I paint traditionally – mirroring a time when academic training and processes were embraced and nurtured. This approach has given me the skills and knowledge to express myself through hand, head and heart.

I wanted to be a painter from the time I could first hold a brush. Many of my earliest memories of exploring at the kitchen table with my siblings using paper, cardboard, crayons, scissors and glue. Today, using oil paints, my visions and emotions are given a voice through the infinite variations of color notes. Experiences are what I am called to paint…the materials, technique and subjects are the vehicle.

Painting is a humbling experience… often the more you learn and grow, the more challenging it becomes. The many hours and days spent interacting with my subjects have opened my eyes to subtleties such as intricate color and value shifts, and beauty in the overlooked. Something new is revealed each time I visit the canvas. I paint daily – it is necessary to my life as breathing.

Nature itself has been the most humbling instructor. I am awestruck at the visual inspirations that emerge around me in the outdoors. The sounds, smells, and tactical qualities that I experience while in field cannot help but be infused in the work. I strive to impart a universal quality that makes the viewer feel he has been there and can relate to the image.

Whether in the field or the studio, painting is integral to my life… a product of my faith and experiences.
“With Humility comes Wisdom” – Proverbs 11:2

EDUCATION:
1999, Masters of Science in Art Education, State University College, Buffalo, NY

EXHIBITIONS:
Oct-Dec, 2016, 150 Years of Great American Landscapes, Cavalier Galleries , New York, NY
Jun-Sep, 2016, New Arrivals – Summer 2016, Cavalier Galleries, Nantucket, MA
Jun-Sep, 2016, Important Maritime Paintings, Cavalier Galleries, Nantucket, MA
Jun-Sep, 2014, Important Marine & Maritime Paintings, Cavalier Galleires, Nantucket, MA
2009,  Hudson River Revival: Contemporary Landscape Painting - Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT
2009, Three Person Exhibition, Art Dialogue Gallery, Buffalo, NY
2009, “Night” Group Exhibition, Oxford Gallery, Rochester, NY
2008, Dual exhibition of recent paintings, Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
2008, Invited Group Exhibition, Western New York Artist's Group, Buffalo, NY
2008, "Awakenings" group exhibition, Oxford Gallery, Rochester, NY
2008, "Collectors Gallery" joint exhibition Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY
2008, Albright Knox Art Gallery - Collector's Gallery, Buffalo, NY
2007, "Artists Among Us" joint exhibition, Burchfield Penny Art Center, Buffalo, NY
2007, "Collectors Gallery" joint exhibition Albright Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY
2006, Solo exhibition of recent paintings, Meibohm Fine Art Gallery, East Aurora, NY
2004-05, "Buffalo Collects" Exhibit, Burchfield Penny Art Center, Buffalo, NY

JURIED EXHIBITIONS:
2009,  Juried National Exhibition, Oil Painters of America, Santa Fe, NM
2009, Juried Regional Exhibition: Corse Gallery & Atelier, Oil Painters of America, Jacksonville, FL
2009, Juried participant in Summer Intensive Workshop, Sugar Maples Center for creative Arts, Hunter, NY
2008, Juried National Exhibition, Hudson Valley Art Association, Old Lyme, CT
2008, Juried National Exhibition, Oil Painters of America, Missoula, MT
2008, Juried members group exhibition, Western New York Artist's Group, Buffalo, NY
2003-Present, Juried as "Master-Roycroft Artisan", Roycrofters-at-Large Association , East Aurora, NY

MEMBERSHIPS:
NYC Salmagundi Club

AWARDS, HONORS & FELLOWSHIPS:
2009,  Hudson River Fellowship - with Jacob Collins
2008,  Recipient of the Dumond Memorial Award
2007, "Cover Art for Ani Difranco's Compilation CD "Canon"