The GROWTH Foundation after school program was privileged to be visited last month by artist Thomas Shelford for an engaging class using charcoal as the artistic medium. Eight students participated with enthusiasm in the outdoor lesson. Thomas demonstrated how to use the rapidly setting sun to light our set and subject of two ceramic vases. He then taught us how to use our charcoal background and erasers to recreate light and dark to mimic the natural shadows falling on our subject.
Born in 1969, Thomas Shelford embarked upon a fine art career after years of working in New York City as a professional illustrator and web site designer. Thomas has exhibited at the Grenning Gallery in Sag Harbor NY where he also teaches sculpture drawing, and at the Hampton Roads Gallery in Southampton NY. He teaches drawing at the Long Island Academy of Fine Art. Placing an emphasis on artwork that combines beauty and skill, Thomas currently pursues a 19th century style training regimen at the Grand Central Academy founded by Jacob Collins. He has studied extensively with Robert Armetta, Travis Schlaht, Edward Minoff, Jon DeMartin, Brian Schumacher, and Rick Piloco. His eclectic academic background includes degrees in mathematics and political philosophy. An avid surfer, Thomas is a resident of East Hampton New York. Thomas’s work can be viewed at his website www.shelfordart.com.
