The Art of Wine
Atlanta-based artist Thomas Arvid is quickly gaining a national reputation as today's premier painter of fine wine.
A self-taught painter of oil on canvas, he began by painting still lifes and portraits, but eventually narrowed his subjects to red objects — Radio Flyer wagons, toy fire trucks and compositions of red wines he'd buy at the grocery store. When a friend gave him a bottle of Silver Oak, suggesting he paint better wines, he tried the wine and, overwhelmed, ultimately made red wine his primary subject.
Arvid layers shades of reds to capture the richness of a vintage, and likens the technique to the intricate process of winemaking. One of his favorite things is speaking with winemakers and sharing in their passion.
Wine Spectator (Nov. 2000) showcased Arvid's work in a handsome profile and U.S. Art Gallery named him one of 25 Artists You Should Know (Aug. 2001). Notable commissions include vineyards and art collectors alike.
Spirits of the Holidays, a collection of new works by Arvid, opens with a reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Syd Entel Galleries. The evening's reception is not only for the discriminating art collector but also for fine wine enthusiasts, with a variety of vintages available for tasting.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 17. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Syd Entel Galleries is at 247 Main St., Safety Harbor (727-725-1808).
—Cooper Cruz
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 5, 2001.
