Mood and light of the natural world dominate the paintings of Thomas Brooks. For his inspiration he relies on personal experiences as an essential element in creating the authenticity and atmosphere for which his work is known. Thomas' work has gained wide recognition and he now distributes his limited edition prints and original works nationally. His work has been juried and accepted into national wildlife art exhibitions, and his honors and awards include the following:
- Winner of the 1995 Florida Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp Competition
- Winner of the 1996 Florida Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp Competition
- Winning artist for three consecutive years of the National Wild Turkey Federation Art Competition
- Commissioned by the state of Arkansas to create their State Wildlife Conservation Stamp Prints
- Artist of the year in 2002 for the Florida National Wild Turkey Federation
- 2006 Print of the Year for the Florida NWTF
- Commissioned by the Florida NWTF to create a five year series of sponsor prints from 2007-2011
- Commissioned by the Boy Scouts of America to create limited edition sponsor prints
- Featured artist for the 2007 Plantation Wildlife Art Festival - Thomasville, GA
- Featured artist for the 2009 Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) - Charleston ,SC
- Painted 2008 White House Christmas tree ornament. Attended artist reception at the White House December 2, 2008.
- Selected by the National Wild Turkey Federation to create their 2011 national stamp of an osceola turkey and a limited edition canvas print for distribution in their national print package.
Born in Lakeland, FL, Thomas grew up around the swamps and flatlands of central Florida. As a child he realized his love for art and continued to show a strong interest in developing his talent. Although considering himself largely as a self taught artist, his work has been influenced by several different venues of art including wildlife art as well as the fine art traditions. He brings into the popular view his own vision of wildlife and places which could not be as soulfully done through any other medium.
"My paintings begin with a moment in time that creates a desire within me to paint a particular scene. With the use of value and color I strive to create the desired atmosphere necessary to acheive the authenticity that brings the viewer into the painting."
Field excursions, photography and on location studies aid Thomas in gathering factual information for use in the studio to faithfully record a scene or impression.
"I strive to compose the work in such a way as to portray the inner essence of the subject rather than its outward appearance."
The works of Thomas Brooks now appear in many corporate, public, and private collections. His works have also been featured in many publications such as Sporting Classics, Wildlife Art, and Inform Art Magazines. Donations of his works have also been instrumental in fund raising efforts for many charitable, wildlife, conservation, and environmental organizations such as The American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, SPCA, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Coastal Conservation, and Sierra Club, just to name a few. It is Thomas' desire as an artist to preserve on canvas his vision for future generations to enjoy. In a world of never ending change and progress he feels it is important for artists of all mediums to express their emotions and impressions of the world in which we live.