Denaro, Thomas

Thomas Denaro is a Hudson Valley based artist who takes inspiration in the traditions of past pen and ink artists, and from the quant towns of Orange County. He uses the patterns of light and shadow created by sunlight to create depth and form in his subject matter.  His pen and ink drawings can be considered a value study creating tonal nuances with a unique crosshatching affect. He utilizes these tonal values to give his elements instinctive textures of stone, brick, wood siding, and other man-made materials. He also creates realism in the textures of bark, leaves, grass, flags and drapery.  “I try to use areas of dark and light for balance and to continually draw the viewers’ eyes clockwise around my drawings. I want to keep their interest so that each time they view my art, there is something new to see.” When creating super-realism, there is no discretion between items of focus. Notice how the items along Warwick’s walkway are as detailed as the buildings—it’s all important, every single detail in that drawing.  We are sometimes distracted and spoiled by color’s overt and often gaudy appeal, we can easily lose sight of the subtle nature of black and white artwork. With Tom’s black and white drawings, there is a visual charm that allows the subject to be the main focus where colored media can sometimes distract the viewer.  Tom studied illustration and advertising at Paier College of Art from 1975 -1979. After completing his studies, Tom leveraged his talents to become a technical illustrator perfecting his style in pen and ink. Through the years, Tom traveled throughout the world and the United States capturing images that would inspire many of his cityscape line drawings on paper. Subject matter spans from Israel, Paris, Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, to his home state of New York. Not all of his works are tight and realistic. Rather, Tom’s use of mixed media creates interesting lines and vibrant color from his watercolor palate.  Thomas Denaro does not reproduce what he sees. His art helps us see