About William Colclough Thomas

The middle name is pronounced Coke-Lee (old English).

ENGLISH TRANSLATION AT BOTTOM▼

WILLIAM COLCLOUGH THOMAS

was born and raised in Memphis, TN, moved as a teenager to Baton Rouge, LA, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design from Louisiana State University and now lives and works as an artist in Birmingham, AL. Having spent much of his life pursuing illustration, graphics and design in stained glass, print publications, and a 25-year career with the Birmingham News in Alabama, he finally found the courage and financial resources to break from the norm and take a chance as a professional fine artist. The award-winning editorial illustrations and graphics he produced with the News ensconced him into the fabric of the city’s editorial life. Past readers of the News might recognize the tag below the art:

NEWS STAFF ILLUSTRATION / BILL THOMAS

and hopefully recall a visual image which engaged them to keep reading — expanding their world. — See a sampling here.

William is now represented by Littlehouse Galleries, Homewood, Alabama, U.S.A.

http://littlehousegalleries.com/

Digital portfolio images by A-Square Photography

www.a2-photo.com

EN MASSE

is a current continuing series of botanical realism. My approach to botanical art provides a natural setting for floral and/or foliage exploration, honors man’s stewardship of botanical cultivation, affords a deeper, more personal means to communicate, partake in nature and show my gratitude.

The approach I take toward nature in my work is one of respect for the natural setting as opposed to a more clinical approach of a botanical illustrator cataloging specimens — an altogether important and noble pursuit, but not as rewarding, in my estimation, to my artistic spirit. It is in that setting that the title of the ongoing series, 'en masse,' was derived — a mass planting of the same floral or foliage specimen presented and grown together. It is in this way that I am able to explore a specimen’s variety of form within a “sameness” of context (I am greatly indebted to this modern trend in gardening process). A similar pursuit would be the creation of countless studies of the human form in motion. My approach enables a variety of exploration within one canvas.

UP FRONT

I am a full-time acrylic artist, have a body of work, and am trying to break in to the art world. I suppose you would call me a new or 'emerging artist' although I've certainly been around the visual block with my previous career. Those who know my previous work are aware of my broad creativity, professionalism and prolific collection of work over the years.

I am so deeply enthralled over this new direction in botanical realism and have just scratched the surface of what's to come. I hope I can help you connect with my view of the world or transport you to a place I wish we all were.