Tom Shepherd began his artistic journey creating custom artwork on guitars using graffiti pens. But it was the move to a brush and more traditional media thattruly opened the door to his world as an artist – and from that point on, there was no turning back.
Today, Tom paints a wide range of subjects, although he is continually drawn back to his earliest love of wildlife, and in particular, birds. His work is known for its loose, expressive, carefree style, with a strong focus on light, atmosphere, and confident painterly brushwork.
Alongside his own painting, Tom is a highly regarded and much sought-after tutor. He teaches in-person through residential workshops, painting holidays, and even Art Safaris in Zambia; as well as online, where he shares his approach with students from all over the world through his School of Watercolour (www.schoolofwatercolour.com).
At the heart of it all is a simple goal and drive to help others on their own creative journey. Whether picking up a brush for the first time or painting for decades, Tom believes that supporting others along the way is not only a joy, but a privilege, and one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.
He also believes deeply in passing on knowledge, recognising that none of us would be where we are without those who came before us, generously sharing their experience.
Tom’s work is collected internationally, and he has been a highly commended finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Artist of the Year competition on several occasions. Alongside his painting, he supports conservation by contributing a portion of his teaching and artwork sales to UK-based projects.
He also supports a project bringing art materials to children in rural communities in Kenya, where even basic supplies like paper and pencils are not always available. So often taken for granted, drawing and creativity can be a vital part of childhood, supporting development as well as emotional and mental wellbeing. Through this, Tom hopes to share the joy of creativity as a simple but powerful way of connecting with both the world around us and ourselves. Website: www.schoolofwatercolour.com
Instagram (20k followers): @tomshepherdartist
