Tom Conner
Growing up in North Carolina, Tom was drawn to the arts from an early age and attended North Carolina State University’s School of Design. It was after moving to Arizona 30+ years ago that his fine arts education truly began, in the deserts and forests of the southwest.
His exploration of the natural world and emotional connection is never ending. He participates in many plein air festivals to share the places he loves with his collectors and demystify the creative process. Tom works both “en plein air” and in his studio, always in the pursuit of capturing greater truths.
Biography
Growing up in North Carolina, Tom was drawn to the arts from an early age and went on to graduate from North Carolina State University’s School of Design with degrees in architecture, while continuing to pursue drawing and painting in his free time. It was after moving to Arizona 30+ years ago that his fine arts education truly began, in the deserts and forests of the southwest.
Developing a love of great open spaces, hiking, camping and rock climbing soon filled his free time, where he absorbed the beauty of nature and learned to observe his surroundings. These experiences inspired him to turn his oil painting focus on landscapes as a way of honoring these timeless and mythical western places.
His exploration of the natural world, the effects of sunlight and emotional connection is never ending. He participates in many plein air festivals to share the places he loves with his collectors and demystify the creative process. Tom works both “en plein air” and in his studio, always in the pursuit of capturing greater truths.
Recent Events & Shows
Jan 2026 – AZ Plein Air Painters Salon at Scottsdale Artists’ School – 1st Place
Nov 2025 – Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour, Cave Creek AZ
Sept 2025 – Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
Aug 2025 – American Impressionist Society National Show – Marjorie L Bradley Memorial Associate Member Award
Aug 2025 – Oil Painters of American Western Regional Show
Feb 2025 – American Impressionist Society Small Works Show – Award of Excellence
Nov 2024 – AZ Plein Air Painters Mood Room Show – 1st Place
Oct 2024 – Sedona Plein Air Festival – 1st Place, DA Ranch Paint Out
Oct 2024 – Prescott Plein Air Festival – 1st Place & Best Body of Work
Oct 2024 – Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show
Oct 2024 – American Impressionist Society National Show
Apr 2024 – Oil Painters of America National Show – Impressionist Award of Excellence
Oct 2024 – Prescott Plein Air Festival – Best in Show
Artist Statement
The effects of sun on the landscape provides the emotional impact that a scene needs for me to want to paint it, and hopefully to resonate with the viewer. Like a smile or a furrowed brow on a face, the lighting indicates the mood of my scenes. Often a great composition will present itself but maybe it is a cloudy day or the scene is in full shadow. I’ll file those locations away and wait for a better time of day or weather to go back to that scene before committing it to paint.