Gareth Thomas

Born in Swansea in 1955. Attended Trinity College Carmarthen before becoming a professional artist in 1981. Presently lives with his wife and young twin girls on the Gower peninsula.
Being bought up by the sea and encouraged to paint outdoors from an early age gave Gareth a real grounding in evoking a sense of place. Initially working only in Wales, subsequent travels to Italy and France have brought a interpretive use of paint, the colours and tone used for greater visual effect. His interest always lies with the spirit of the scene, not just a literal copy. With experience comes a better understanding of technique and freedom of expression sometimes missing in earlier days. Most of the painting is carried out in situ, although larger pieces are produced in the studio with the use of sketches and colour notes made outdoors and, rarely, photographs.
Gareth has had many one man shows over the last three decades,including regular exhibitions with the Attic Gallery, the Albany Gallery and Fountain Fine Art, and has exhibited with galleries throughout Britain including the Thackery Gallery, London and the Bohun Gallery, Henley on Thames. His work is in private collections in Britain and overseas. Public collections holding his paintings include The House Of Lords, The National Library Of Wales, Lloyds Bank, Dyfed County Council, London Borough Of Hackney and the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea.