EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 15 © 2016 The Book Palace (96 PAGES in Full edition)

62 DC: Your work is done primarily in oils, but you have worked in other mediums such as watercolours, pen and ink, and charcoal. What is it about oil-painting that you like so much? AT: I like all media. Oil painting is considered the most valuable and the prices prove that out. I had to raise a family and pay for college so I mostly painted in oils. Retirement for me will mean doing lots more variety. I especially enjoy pen and ink. Charles Dana Gibson is a favourite of mine. DC: One last question: have you ever thought of painting digitally on a computer? AT: No. I worked with computer design programs when I was in graphic design/advertising. It was disheartening to think I would forever be learning new computer programs to keep up. That’s why classic oil painting appealed to me. I’m an old soul. ● ● Andy Thomas can be reached through his website at: www.andythomas.com where you can buy prints, books (‘The Artful Journey’ and ‘The West in Action’), and original art from him too. RIGHT: The harsh world cowboys had to live in is depicted in this painting showing an encounter in an Indian territory and trying to defend themselves in the Defiant Stand . BOTTOM LEFT: Painting based on the cowboy lore that they helped the unfortunate, punished the bad guys, and Johnny Saved the Girl . BOTTOM RIGHT: Ink drawing with washtones from Andy’s Civil War series. Text continued from page 59