b. 1970

“There’s as much beauty in a dead tree as in a live one.” Thomas Kegler’s observation, shared in a Drawing cover story, embodies the confident humility that has influenced his growing volume of work, considered to be among the most influential of our time.

An internationally recognized artist, Thomas is a self-taught realist painter and accomplished educational film producer. He is also a renowned art educator and champion of future artists, young and old. The wilds of New York State and a close-knit family of designers and entrepreneurs shaped his early love of art and the outdoors. Fly fishing and guiding in Alaska’s backcountry cemented his pursuit of a life path illuminated by sunlight more often than lamplight.

His work draws on the Masters’ approach to canvas, plein air techniques, and a deep Catholic faith. Each piece celebrates creation’s grandeur and mystery through careful attention to often-overlooked subtleties.

Thomas is recognized as an Associate Living Master by the Art Renewal Center; a Master Roycroft Artisan; member of the NYC Salmagundi Club; Painting Instructor for the Grand Central Atelier in New York City; and Senior Fellow with the Hudson River Fellowship. His work is showcased in galleries, collections, and publications worldwide, including Plein Air Magazine and the American Arts Quarterly. He lives in Western New York with his children.

PRESS:

• American Arts Quarterly: Cover Artwork and Featured in Article - Winter 2016

• Plein Air Magazine: Featured an article "Painting Directly from Nature" - Dec/Jan 2015

• Drawing Magazine: Featured on the cover and an 8 page article "Understanding the Anatomy of the Landscape" - Winter 2013

• American Art Collector Magazine: Featured in Article "Nature Morte: Collecting Still Life" - January 2013

• American Painting Video Magazine: Featured "Painting En Plein Air: Resolving the Landscape with Thomas Kegler" video review - Fall 2012

• American Arts Quarterly: Featured in Article - Summer 2011

• Plein Air Magazine: Featured in article "The Hudson River Fellowship: Landscape Painting in the 19th Century Tradition" - Fall 2011

• American Art Collector Magazine: Feature Article "Revealing the Natural World" - June 2011

• American Art Collector Magazine: Feature Article "Pursuit of Beauty" - November 2010

• American Painting Video Magazine Feature Interview - Fall 2010

Western Art & Architecture | August & September 2022

43rd Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale - Center of the West in Cody, WY

18th International Art Renewal Center Salon, Annual Competition, Guest Juror - Landscape Category

Honorable Mention: 2024 Online Showcase - Oil Painters of America

First Place Overall winner of the August Plein-air Salon 14th Annual Art Competition: Plein-air Magazine