The walls of Tom Rawles’ studio in Lincoln Street Warehouse are lined with huge, colourful canvases. From works-in-progress to mounted final pieces, it’s clear Tom is passionate about his craft. We couldn’t help but want to hear the story behind his paintings, so we popped by to Say Hello.  

Tom grew up in Laugharne; a small town in West Wales made known by the works of Dylan Thomas. At 18, Tom hadn’t yet found a sense of direction. He left school at the earliest opportunity and tried a number of apprentice jobs. None of these jobs gave him a sense of fulfilment.

Thankfully for Tom, his girlfriend’s family were supportive, they encouraged Tom to indulge in his creative interests. After this, Tom discovered a passion for taking photos. His careers advisor enrolled him on a diploma in media, which then led to a Media degree in the University of the South West of England in 2005. Both Tom and his girlfriend relocated to Bristol to follow their creative interests.

Studying media helped Tom realise his calling as a painter.

‘My degree made me realise that the media industry isn’t for me.’

Tom started teaching himself to paint from books, YouTube videos and with plenty of practice.

‘Something I’m proud of is that I’m self taught.’

Today, Tom has five years of painting experience under his belt.

‘I used to describe my work as heavy on the narrative and heavy on the paint. I’m a bit lighter with the paint these days. I’m an oil painter. Painting is how I get an idea I have out for other people to see, I like it when the finished painting looks how I imagined it. ’

Like many other artists, Tom is a perfectionist. He can spend days working on minute details, and will rarely walk away from his final piece feeling 100% satisfied. In part, this is what keeps him inspired. Painting is a continuous journey of self-improvement. The idea that the next painting will be a little bit better than the last makes him want to pick up a new brush right after setting one down.

In his paintings so far, Tom has dedicated a lot of time to fine brush strokes and precision. This year, he is going to try and break away from this, and incorporate some loose brush movements. He hopes it will convey a strong sense of emotion.

We loved hearing Tom Rawles’ story. As you’ll agree, we’re glad he followed his artistic interests and became the awesome painter that he is today. You can keep up to date with Tom Rawles’ Instagram page, where he posts the latest happenings from his studio in Lincoln Street Warehouse.

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