An artists magic is the ability to ensnare a moment of your time and entice you to look, see… and feel

About Tom

Tom Henrichsen is an award winning artist from Woodstock, Illinois.

He finds inspiration, in his Midwest surroundings, enhanced by his travels across the country, painting plein-air.

Enthusiasts note how his on site painting shows a truer sense of colors and value with simplified design and composition.

For over 20 years Tom has shown his work in art shows across the Midwest represented by numerous galleries. His paintings have sold in Europe, Canada and across the United States.

Gallery Representation

Eurekan Art

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Mainstreet Gallery

Lake Zurich, Illinois

Education

William Rainy Harper College

Illinois State University

American Academy of Art

Chicago Academy of Art

What is plein air painting?

Plein air painting (French for “open air”) simply means painting on site, directly from nature. Instead of getting lost in the endless detail that abound in nature, I look at the scene in front of me more abstractly and look for big shapes when composing the painting. I’m enhancing some elements and minimizing others, in order to make a successful picture.

Many of the paintings in my gallery were completely painted on sight. Some were begun outside and finished in my studio, and some of the paintings were painted indoors - using sketches, photos and memory to complete the work.

My studio paintings are directly informed by my plein air work, and I consider myself as primarily a plein air painter.