Flathead Living

Tom Lewis –Painter of Montana

By Catherine Converse

Just take in the view out of the picturesque window at the home gallery of impressionist painter Tom Lewis, and you’ll get a dose of the inspiration and passion Lewis has for the Montana landscape. Overlooking beautiful Bigfork Bay and the north end of Flathead Lake, the lovely scene from the gallery window rivals what you find on the inside, as gorgeous oil and watercolor landscapes of some of the most breathtaking spots in Montana fill a spacious sunlit room.

 After 36 years of a successful run in the graphic design, advertising, and publishing business, Tom and his wife, Sharon made the move to the Flathead area to be closer to their daughter. Initially intrigued by the rodeo lifestyle, Lewis began to capture the heart of Montana in his paintings, particularly drawn to the themes Montana does best; old constructions, landscapes, farms, wildlife, and of course, cowboys.

After a departure from painting for nearly 40 years, the possibilities of painting Montana and the bordering beauty of Canada encouraged Lewis  to take a workshop in oils. “I love to explore with technique.  My process varies. I like to allow my work to take its own shape, whether it’s painting from photographs, memory, or in a live setting.” 

Lewis’s love of art began at a very young age. “I used to lay on the floor, just drawing for hours.” That passion led to a degree from Arizona State in graphic design, and later owning a design and boutique coffeetable book publishing business in San Diego where he would have the pleasure of working with his two sons. Eight grandchildren and one great grandchild later, Tom and Sharon have settled on Montana, a place where his art can flourish and feed his soul.

Lewis also loves to share his knowledge with others, offering several workshops during the year, both at his home, or at various galleries around the valley. His work is owned and displayed by collectors, corporations, and academic institutions across the nation, and can be found around the valley at The Lewis Home Gallery/Studio in Bigfork,  the Collage Gallery in Bigfork and at the Stumptown Marketplace in Whitefish. His home gallery may be viewed by appointment. You can stay updated on workshops, festivals, and galleries on his website, www.thomasglewis.com and on Facebook.

 Tom is grateful to be able to pursue his lifelong passion, and doesn’t plan on putting away the brushes anytime soon. “I’ll be painting until they bury me under the snow.”