Thomas Faires Artist

Random Choice

Mosaic cubist abstract on a constructed substrate 

18.5" x 18.5"

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Inspired by the cubist paintings of Picasso, Braque, and the father of cubism, Cezanne. I’ve been enjoying my exploration of analytical cubism with several paintings and drawings. Then I began toying with the idea of a cubist mosaic piece that would add a real physical dimension by not only using mosaic tile but increasing the depth with a constructed substrate. The use of opaque white smalti increases the effect of shadows as light moves through the room. The surface of the raised tile groupings adds to the changing reflection effect, and the random sense of movement. 

Sunflowers

Oil, 12" x 12"

Quick little painting of some nice Sunflowers. Something to cheer me up. Sunflowers are sunshine and summer. People are drawn to them for their shear beauty and for the memories they evoke. They travel to fields of sunflowers for selfies and memories. Sunflowers give us pause from non-stop of our hectic lives. This painting was in the Big Holiday Smalls Show at the Leslie Grove Gallery.

Sunset in the Trees

Oil, 12" x 16"

Heading back from the Grand Canyon we stopped to take in the view of the sunset in the trees of along highway 180. The entire road trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon and back again was filled with non-stop natural beauty. I can't believe we did the entire trip in one day. It seems like such a fleeting trip for the memory to retain, yet it is etched in mind for me to recall in great detail the day's events. This painting signifies the end of a wonderful day filled with family and awe inspiring vistas.

December Shadows, Sunset Crater, Arizona

Oil, 11" x 14"

This is a painting based on a photo going back prior to the pandemic. It is from a trip to Flagstaff and touring the amazing, rugged landscape of the area. Sunset crater is an amazingly beautiful natural environment that somehow spurs creativity. Recently the surrounding area was devastated by the Tunnel Fire leaving Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument closed to the public. We don’t know how bad the fire was in Sunset Crater, but when we return to traveling, we hope the beauty is still there… maybe just changed somewhat as everything always does.

Somewhere in the Don Valley

Acrylic, 10" x 8"

One of the most interesting places to visit in Toronto is the Don Valley watershed. I have travelled through many parts of the Don Valley. I’ve seen a huge buck standing under the shade of stand of trees, a small herd of deer travelling close to the Don Valley Parkway, salmon swimming upstream of the Don River, and other small wildlife scurrying close to the bike paths. This painting is just a small slice of Don Valley, but it epitomizes the play of light and shadow of one of the numerous hills. The Don Valley is an incredible haven for wildlife existing in the heart of a major metropolitan area.

Standing Nude (Analytical Cubism)

Oil, 16" x 20", Not for sale

This painting is an attempt at some figurative analytical cubism. It has been excellent learning experience studying other artist's figurative cubist works. The painting has had several iterations and I am finally satisfied with the results. Analytical cubism is one of the most concentrative efforts of painting I've experienced, and requires stretches of time to immerse yourself into a painting... blocking out all interruptions and distractions. I'm looking forward to doing more.

Mosaic Landscape on a constructed substrate 

Italian and Mexican Smalti along with slate on a sumac base, Not for sale

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The sculpture was inspired by the abstract paintings of Hans Hofmann. His work has always been a “go to” for inspiration when I find myself feeling artistically blocked. As I added the last tile and stood back I knew the piece was complete and was ready to stand on its own. We’ve lived with the sculpture over the past few weeks, and we’ve seen it evolve from it’s original concept of a abstract mosaic sculpture to take on a more organic abstraction. The changing light of the day, and the shadows of the night, seem to suggest movement within the sculpture. Sometimes it sparkles in the light and other times as you’re passing, there is a sense of movement. Perhaps the slate roots the abstraction in a more earthly experience, rather than strictly a geometric abstract landscape.

Garden Flowers 2020

Oil, 20" x 30", Not for sale

We had a truly wonderful garden in 2020. We were forced to spend much of the year at home so the garden flourished. I decided in December 2020 to paint all the flowers that bloomed. It was quite a struggle to paint as there were so many flowers and many were too complex to paint. I included our neighbour's cat Batman in the painting as he became wonderful companion during much of the time spent working and admiring the colourful blossoms. The garden became an oasis from the ravages of Covid19 where we could relax and even nap from time to time. The concrete block wall was left in to convey the reality of the pandemic to protect ourselves and others by wearing masks.

Artist Self-portrait - Covid 19

Oil, 20" x 36", Not for sale

A first self-portrait done during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is a dark time for the planet, and combined with sociopolitical horrors and an economic downturn, people are struggling to survive. 

The pandemic has highlighted our true shortsightedness. We wear blinders to protect us from the daily onslaught of hideous acts of abuse by the powerful over the powerless. One individual thrives on pain and hate, while many sit displaying another aspect of human nature, apathy. 

Artist's Old Hat

Oil, 14" x 18"

This is an analytical cubist piece of my old straw hat. I’ve worn this hat during my plein air excursions, out on a lake with friends, working in our garden, or just relaxing on the deck during the summer. Can someone love a hat? Eventually, it got old and raggedy. I began looking for another one, and although I bought a new hat, I still wear this one. It has marked events in my life... so it gets its own painting.  

Artist's Red Cup

Oil, 14" x 18", Available For Sale on Etsy

This was my first attempt at an Analytical Cubist piece. I have always been interested in this period of Picasso's career, so I studied cubism. Analytical cubism focuses on the perception of objects from many different perspectives, and the objects should be of importance to the artist... they should convey a narrative. The Cup object is special to me. It represents the calmness of the weekend morning and my time alone with Patrizia. We share coffee and talk. It is an important time, and this object grounds me to that time. Its perspectives have many different emotional connections for me.