Tom Searles is a British fine artist based in London and the Cotswolds, recognized for his expressive and cinematic approach to portraiture. With a background in illustration, fine art, and graphic design, Tom’s work seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary techniques, creating powerful compositions that capture the essence of his subjects.
Early Life & Artistic Influences
Tom’s artistic journey began at a young age, deeply influenced by both his paternal grandfather and father, who were themselves imaginative creators. As a child, he spent countless hours drawing, often recreating scenes from his favorite classic comic books. This early exposure to visual storytelling helped shape his distinctive style, which now combines fine art with elements of illustration and graphic design.
Beyond art, sports played a pivotal role in Tom’s upbringing. He dedicated himself to rugby and cricket, excelling to the point of earning a place in youth representative teams. The discipline, resilience, and movement inherent in these sports profoundly shaped his artistic approach. His paintings and drawings often convey a sense of motion, energy, and raw emotion, reflecting his deep understanding of athleticism and human expression.
Education & Professional Career
In 2012, Tom completed a bachelor’s degree in Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. Following his studies, he embarked on a successful freelance portraiture career, showcasing his fine art skills in galleries across the UK and internationally. Parallel to his work as a fine artist, he co-founded a textile print company, taking on roles as Art Director and Creative Producer. This allowed him to explore new visual disciplines, blending elements of illustration, graphic design, and textile printing into his creative portfolio.
Artistic Style & Technique
Tom specializes in acrylic and charcoal, using a combination of bold brushstrokes, unconventional tools, and layering techniques to create portraits that feel both abstract and intimate. His compositions often feature muted, subdued color palettes, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the golden age of music and cinema. His work has a distinctly cinematic quality, as though capturing a fleeting moment in time.
What sets Tom apart is his ability to portray movement within still imagery. Drawing on his sporting background, he brings a unique perspective to portraiture, often emphasizing the fluidity and dynamism of his subjects. Whether capturing an athlete in motion or the subtle expressions of a musician lost in thought, his work goes beyond realism, aiming to encapsulate mood, energy, and personality.
Commissions & Exhibitions
Tom offers bespoke, custom portrait commissions, working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. His ability to balance abstraction with intricate detail ensures that each piece is both visually striking and deeply personal. His work has been featured in prestigious galleries and exhibitions throughout the UK and beyond, gaining recognition for its bold, expressive style.
As an artist, Tom continues to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and evolve his creative voice. His passion for storytelling, movement, and emotion makes his work instantly recognizable, positioning him as a unique and influential figure in contemporary portraiture.
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