Tom Dunne was born in Queens, New York, where he studied traditional drawing and painting. For many years he has worked as an illustrator and designer, most recently having illustrated a children’s book for HarperCollins. These days he has moved away from commissioned work to follow his own muse. Tom lives in Durham, North Carolina and works from his downtown studio.

Tom sees his work as autobiography, creating images from his world that resonate on universal and emotional levels. His images from past and present represent the roots of the human spirit. He draws much of his inspiration from nature. His work with the human figure extends beyond studio depictions in narrative settings.

Tom sees his work simply as drawings with color, no distinction between painting and drawing. His pieces are often created with conte chalk on gesso with a mix of watercolors, enamels, oils and glazes. Lately his work has become increasingly abstract, a further departure from the refined traditional skills he developed through the years, moving toward a more sponaneous, personal, and sensual communication.

Among the places Tom has exhibited are the Durham Arts Council, The Transom Gallery, Durham Arts Place, and Arete Gallery in Durham, The Blackwood Station Gallery and the Chelsea Gallery in Chapel Hill and has been a member of Triangle Concepts, an artists collective exhibiting at various other local venues. His work can be seen online at www.tomdunneart.com.

A portion of all art sales will be donated to arts related organizations or a non-profit of the artist's choice. This month's artist has chosen the M Okada Foundation of America as the recipient.

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