Karl Thomas (1948- ) American School LONG LAKE, LITTLE LAKES VALLEY, EASTERN SIERRAS, CALIFORNIA 30 x 40 inches / 39 x 49 framed Oil on canvas Signed lower right: “Karl Thomas” The paintings of Karl Thomas, often of spectacular vistas, have the freshness of plein air pictures, even though most are completed in his studio. Karl’s love for the landscape, which seems to be his best subject, is something he continues to pursue with great enthusiasm. His art is continually evolving, seeing new colors in nature, magnetized and excited by his subject as he paints from the heart. Karl paints with a loose impressionist brush. He has clearly been inspired by some of America’s early great painters – George Inness, John Singer Sargent, and Thomas Moran, to name a few. He studied at Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1972, and furthered his studies at the Los Angeles Art Center. “I enjoy working in plein air most of the time. Nothing can substitute for experiencing a place with all its light and conditions and doing color studies on the spot. I’m forced to work faster, especially in winter, in changing weather conditions, and at sunrise and sunset. I don’t get bogged down in unnecessary detail, and my strokes and color remain fresh. Making up colors or using photographs or slides just doesn’t do the trick. I look for something new and interesting each time I start a painting. I try to remember color, light, design, edges and texture. I’m introducing figures to my work lately and hope to continue to expand to other areas. I have to stretch a little to keep growing as an artist. I don't want to be stagnant or just paint one thing in one way. I want to be versatile, to be able to paint a single rose as well as the spectacular Grand Canyon. I’ll always strive for something new, something a little different than what is expected, something more creative." Karl Thomas Price: $8500.