THOMAS BLACKSHEAR

About this artist

Thomas Blackshear is an award-winning American illustrator and fine artist
renowned for his emotionally powerful imagery, dramatic lighting, and mastery of
mood. With a career spanning over four decades, his work bridges the realms of
commercial illustration, spiritual narrative, and collectible art.

Blackshear graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago in 1977, and
soon after began his career with the Hallmark Card Company in Kansas City. It was
there he met and apprenticed with the legendary illustrator Mark English, an
experience that helped shape his distinctive visual style. By 1980, Blackshear had
become head illustrator at Godbold/Richter Studio, and by 1982, he launched a
successful freelance career that continues to this day.

His accolades include:
 Artist of the Year (1999, National Association of Limited-Edition Dealers)
 International Collectible Artist of the Year (2001)
 Multiple gold and silver awards from national illustration societies

A career highlight came in 2006, when Blackshear presented a one-man show
through the Vatican in Rome, unveiling his portrait of Pope John Paul II to
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Pope John Paul II Foundation.

Blackshear’s illustrations have been featured in the Society of Illustrators Annuals
and in Outstanding American Illustrators Today. His original works are part of the
permanent collections at the Museum of Biblical Art (Dallas, TX) and the Booth
Western Art Museum (Cartersville, GA).