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Thomas Jefferson Kitts Biography
Thomas is both inspired and exhilarated by the way light plays across the landscape and he has devoted thirty years to capturing it en plein air. Thomas prefers to work directly from life for its honesty and immediacy, incorporating many alla prima techniques developed by master painters such as Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn.
Thomas is a member of the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Association, the California Art Club, the Oil Painters of America, and the American Impressionist Society. He travels extensively and maintains an active and
distinguished exhibition history – one which has included the Portland Art Museum, the Laguna Art Museum, the Maritime Museum of Curacao, the Academy Museum of Art in Easton, Maryland, the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America’s National & Regional Exhibitions, Arts for the Parks Top 100, and three New York Art Expos. Thomas’ work is widely collected throughout North America.
During 2011 and 2012 Thomas was honored with a twelve month Artist Residency from the University Club of Portland, a 2nd Place award at Los Gatos Plein Air, was a two-time Raymar Art Finalist, and PleinAir Magazine Salon Finalist. He was also again juried into the 13th Annual American Impressionist Society’s National Exhibition and featured as an Artist to Watch by the publication The Informed Collector. In 2013 he was invited to participate in the 8th annual Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, where he won the Pioneer Inn Quickdraw Competition, and was featured in the March 2013 issue of PleinAir Magazine. Thomas was also highlighted for a second time as a guest speaker during the Fine Art Connoisseur/PleinAir Magazine’s 2nd Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo in Monterey, California. Additional events and honors will be added as they are announced.
Thomas is noted for his in-depth knowledge of art history and painting technique and for his enthusiasm for teaching. Besides pursuing his own work, he offers both group and private instruction throughout the year.