Show Preview | Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art: Andy Thomas

San Antonio, TX, November 13-December 7

Andy Thomas, Buffalo Hunt, watercolor, 13 x 12.

This story was featured in the November 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art November 2012 print edition here, or purchase the Southwest Art November 2012 digital download here. Or simply subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!

To the casual art collector, the relationship between gallery and artist may appear to be strictly business. Not so in the case of Andy Thomas and Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art in San Antonio, TX. Roughly 10 years ago, the gallery was looking for western artists, and Andy Thomas presented several of his works. The works did not happen to be western, but gallery co-founder Mark Smith says, “We saw that he did beautiful work, and we responded. We said, oh man, can this person paint!”

Smith encouraged Thomas to explore the West as subject matter, and the artist found instant success with such works, not only at the gallery but also at the annual C.M. Russell Art Auction. Thomas’ reputation as a highly respected artist began to build. Although other galleries have approached him, Thomas has remained exclusively represented at Greenhouse Gallery. “Andy is a really fine artist. He is so grounded and down to earth and so approachable; he’s a great human being,” emphasizes Smith.

This month his solo show, entitled Andy Thomas: Pen, Pencil, and Brush, opens on November 13, with an artist’s reception on Friday, November 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Thomas presents more than 30 works: oil and watercolor paintings as well as pen-and-ink and pencil drawings, with the majority of the works being drawings and watercolors. “We’re getting excited about it; we’ve never seen quite this diversity in an artist,” says Smith. “This show will invite a whole other group of collectors, so that they can see the work of this brilliant, creative mind.”

In a sense, Greenhouse Gallery is repaying Thomas for his hard work by featuring the full spectrum of his talents. “My first love was drawing,” Thomas says, “especially in ink. This is a great opportunity to go back to what I love, [and these works] are more affordable.”

Thomas’ use of rich color, precise human and animal form, and details that bring action scenes alive transport viewers back in time. “I try to think about my character’s costume, gesture, body, and facial expression,” he says. “All are essential to the story I’m telling.” Even the smallest portrait, human or animal, shows the emotion of the subject. This attention to detail is found in all of his works.

On Saturday, November 17, at 1 p.m., Thomas briefly speaks about his second book, The West in Action, and a book signing follows immediately after. “This is all western and historic,” he says and then confesses, “I always wanted to grow up to be a cowboy.” Collectors can be grateful that, instead, Thomas grew up to be an artist. —Anne Hopper Vickstrom

contact information
210.828.6491
 www.greenhousegallery.com

Featured in the November 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art magazine November 2012 digital download
Southwest Art magazine November 2012 print edition
Or subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!