My name is Thomas Van Stein, and I have been a member of Plein Air Painters of Idaho (PAPI) since 2022. I have greatly enjoyed participating in local PAPI shows and exploring the beautiful Boise scenery since relocating here. I am grateful to call Boise home. My passion for plein air painting originated during my studies at ArtCenter College of Design with Dan McCaw, who taught me how essential it is for communicating the language of color and capturing the effect of light. Furthermore, my studies with Ovanes Berberian emphasized the importance of observing value and critically assessing artwork in terms of composition and design. I am semi-retired after serving for 32 years as an adjunct art professor at Santa Barbara City College. During my tenure, I taught a variety of courses, including studio and outdoor painting, composition and design, color exploration, and figure drawing. Currently, I am focused on creating new paintings for the galleries that represent my work, in addition to preparing for a larger show scheduled in Oregon in 2027. As a plein air landscape painter in Boise, I have fallen in love with the rugged natural beauty of Idaho. I remain intrigued by how light interacts with forms in the natural world, regardless of the terrain. While weather sometimes necessitates working indoors, I always apply the knowledge gained from painting under natural light. I would be happy to share my expertise with others who wish to improve their painting and drawing skills. I offer a mentorship program designed for artists seeking professional guidance to achieve their goals, create stronger art, and express a clearer point of view.

Sincerely,

Thomas Van Stein