Art GalleryPhone (503) 957-3301
info@shafferfineart.com
About Thomas Arvid
Thomas
Arvid has achieved spectacular success and national acclaim with his still-life
compositions of wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption. The
self-taught artist translates abstract composition and a talent for portraying
light and color into sumptuous, super-realistic oil paintings of wine.
Atlanta-based Thomas Arvid unites the aesthetics of art and the sensual
complexity of fine wine in his large-scale paintings that leave collectors and
critics begging for more.
Thomas Arvid is redefining the modern still life with his refreshing portrayals
of fine wine. Highly defined and richly textured, Arvid's paintings tell a story
beyond an enjoyment of the good life. The viewer happens upon a moment in time;
the half-filled glasses, hastily discarded cork and corkscrew, and empty bottle
of wine relates a scene manipulated by Arvid's imagination. However, the viewer,
as voyeur, is free to make up their own story, creating a personal connection
between the viewer and the art. Perhaps this explains why Arvid's work has
achieved such widespread popularity.
Arvid's talent has been embraced by the art world. Named one of the top "25
Artists You Should Know" by US Art magazine, Arvid's work receives critical
acclaim for its ability to capture ancient traditions in a startlingly new
style. Thomas Arvid was also featured in Wine Spectator, recognizing the overlap
between the appreciation of fine art and fine wine.
The elite in the wine industry also identify Arvid as a prophet for the message
that fine wine carries. Arvid's work captures the complexity and depth of wine,
making his art a feature in the collections of influential wineries and
winemakers. Ray Duncan of Silver Oak, Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, and Al
Brounstein of Diamond Creek enjoy an Arvid in their home or offices. Gus
Anderson of Conn Valley Vineyards raves, "Thomas Arvid's paintings are so
realistic you might find yourself trying to pour a glass! They truly give
evidence to the fact that he loves wine."
Not bad for a Detroit boy with no formal art training who never expected to make
fine art a career. Arvid moved to Atlanta from Detroit in 1986 and discovered
alternatives to the industrial, blue collar work ethic of his home. Growing up
drawing, painting murals, and doing illustrations, Thomas Arvid thought his only
choices for a career in art were as a commercial artist, sign-painter, or
draftsman. His move to Atlanta also signaled a move into painting with oils, and
eventually his discovery of the beauty of wine as a vehicle for his artistic
vision.
Thomas Arvid's natural charisma and infectious enthusiasm for art and wine
guarantee his continued success and popularity. Arvid's work and philosophy is
perfectly embodied in his famous phrase, "Life without art is like dinner
without wine. Why bother?"
Art Gallery
