49 there are those emergencies when they are in a critical state and close to death. I deal with that a lot. So with that kind of stress, I deal with it through my art. It’s a channel to diffuse the pressures that I’m up against during those two hours with that patient.” We discussed his subject matter; shorelines, peaceful landscapes, still-life paintings of fruit, portraits, nudes, and the like. None struck me as a product of stress. But Tom explains that, “The paintings don’t have to come out as gory or dramatic but rather something that’s appealing to the viewer. I’ve been given a good balance. I carry a lot around from my job but my art gives me a great outlet to deal with it.” Tom works in various mediums as an oil painter, watercolorist and plein air painter. “Most of my oils are finished in
the studio and are usually still-life’s, figures or nudes.” Tom explains, “But most are stilllife’s. Still-life’s have a certain genre that people
like to have in their dining room or kitchen area. So they really are timeless.” What drew me to Tom were his seascape paintings; both his watercolors and his oils. “The sea is my greatest inspiration, my biggest draw being near the water. It’s almost like meditating. Once I decide on a subject matter, I go into a sort of zen mode and focus on a particular scenery.” Tom brightens, “Everything seems to fall into place so to speak. It’s an ongoing process, and there are always mistakes. But that’s how I learn. And sometimes those mistakes become an integral part of the painting.” He digs for an old Bob Ross saying. We both chuff, “Happy Accidents!”, and start to laugh. “Yes mistakes continue to help me mature as an artist!” I ask Tom what he feels is his greatest accomplishment as an artist. Tom contemplates and looks up, “Anyone who has bought my art, they have a piece of me on their wall. They get to experience over and over what I experienced. It’s a compliment to me that they are enjoying it in their home.” He smiles, “I guess it just feels good to feel appreciated.” I mention
getting paid is a great way to be appreciated. He laughs and says, “The money is good. Yes. But I would say that being accepted as a member of the International Marine Artists (Guild) at the Mystic Seaport was a huge deal. I’ve been painting there for the past four years and it’s really been an honor.” We discuss being grouped in with other artists there and his eyes brighten. “I’ll be having my first sole exhibit at the Hartford Fine art Gallery through the end of October! It’s Exciting news. My own show for the first time at an incredible venue!” To purchase one of Tom’s pieces visit jennerwein.pixels.com or visit Tom on Instagram @tomjennerwein or email Tom at h2oclr1@Yahoo.com
