Reagan by Andy Thomas
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Tell Me MoreRonald W. Reagan, beloved 40th President of the United States (1981-1989), is truly an American icon. This all-American boy grew up and lived the American dream. From playing college football to sports announcer to movie star to Governor of California to the greatest dream of all as President of the United States. President Reagan loved the outdoors and relished the times he spent on his ranch near Santa Barbara. Called Rancho del Cielo (Ranch in the Sky), this retreat conveyed the true spirit of Reagan's practical, down-to-earth manner and his core principles: humility, idealism, diligence, and hard work. In this wonderful portrait by Andy Thomas, perhaps President Reagan had just finished one of his favorite activities at his ranch such as chopping wood or riding his horse. President Reagan genuinely loved his country and proudly told the world that he looked upon America as a great "shining city on a hill." As the commander-in-Chief of America, Reagan boldly endorsed a "peace through strength" policy that served and protected the world. Known as "the great communicator," Reagan possessed an excellent speaking ability, sense of humor, and beloved wit. Many wonderful quotes have been attributed to President Reagan; here are but a couple: "If we forget that we're one nation under god, then we will be a nation gone under."......"Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding you." On June 3, 2009, Mrs. Reagan helped unveil the Ronald Reagan statue in the U. S. Capitol. President Ronald W. Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004. DF About The ArtistAndy Thomas is not only an immensely talented painter, but also a storyteller with the images he creates. His subject matter consists of a variety of images from historical events to intimate moments of everyday life. The artist’s desire to create is funneled into the area of painting realism that ranges from very loose to very tight. Thomas’s medium is primarily oil, but he also works in watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, pencil, and ink wash. He is also a very accomplished sculptor. Primarily self-taught, Thomas began his professional art career in 1991 after sixteen years with a major advertising agency. In his studio, the artist creates his unique paintings that tell their "stories.” Thomas says, "I never consciously ponder elements of design or principals of design…I rely on my sketches to refine a value scheme as a starting point. They also help me visualize the completed painting and consider light, painting technique, subject or object importance, and other considerations. The viewer’s eye-path is a big influence on the composition at this point and all through the painting process.” Thomas’s style has been compared to Russell and Remington, and artist says he also has been influenced by Howard Pyle, Richard Schmid, Norman Rockwell, and others. Many of Thomas’s historical images have been used in books and as book covers, and his various paintings also have been featured in numerous magazines. The artist’s original works are in many private and corporate collections and also in the permanent collections of museums around the country. Thomas exhibits in several shows annually, the most recent being the 2006 C. M. Russell Art Auction where he sold eight original paintings. The artist also enjoys judging art shows and teaching children and adult painting classes. He is a talented writer and published a book containing over 100 color images of his work, along with stories written by him. The artist is a member of the famed Salmagundi Club in New York, The Portrait Society of America, and other art organizations. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Missouri Southern State University with a BS in Marketing Management. View Related SubjectsMore Info |
