J. Thomas Watkins Surrealist Oil Portrait, 2009

Item Details

James Thomas Watkins (American, born 1943)
Untitled, 2009
Oil on board
Signed to lower right and verso
Inscribed to verso

James Thomas Watkins, also known as J, Thomas Watkins, T.W., Tom and Tommy, describes his work as “Folk Surrealism” and is best known for his paintings featuring flowers and stylized figures. Although mostly self-taught, he studied briefly with Russian artist Roman Chatov and was well acquainted with artists from the early 20th century such as Cincinnati artist Reginald Grooms, West Virginia artist Grace Martin Taylor and Ohio sculptor Robert Koepnick. Watkins particularly admires the work of Henry Faulkner whose folk influence is visible in his paintings.

Watkins’ work has been exhibited in various exhibitions and belongs to many private collections. In the 1980s, he owned the J. Thomas Watkins Antiques and Art Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio and has had studios in Atlanta, Georgia; Ft. Wright, Kentucky and Athens, Georgia.

In addition, Watkins is also a photographer and keyboardist who has released a gospel album produced by Grammy award winner Phil Driscoll. Known as “Little Tommy Watkins on the Big Hammond Organ,” he spent years traveling to road playing the B3 Hammon organ for many preachers. Today he continues to paint in his studio in Athens, Georgia.

Condition

- some abrasions and accretion throughout; some wear throughout frame.

Dimensions

- measurement of frame.

Item #

ITMGN62381