om Hanson creates beautiful works of art that not only catch the eye but tempt the viewer to touch . Mainly based on natural scenes , Tom also enjoys abstract expression and though he does offer smaller works — like his famous tied fly collection — he prefers to work “ large .”
One of these larger works was in the studio ( the center of controlled craziness according to Tom ) during our interview . A waterfall scene at least six feet tall and approximately two feet wide dominated the space . It was in a word , stunning . Like an actor breaking the fourth wall , Hanson ’ s art reaches out from the canvas to engage the viewer . And engaging is the perfect description of the artist himself .
Quick with a story , or a humorously delivered bit of hard-won wisdom , he is both charming and informative . Between his artistic talent and business acumen , Tom Hanson makes it easy to see how he ’ s managed to make his living through his art for 45 years .
I asked Tom what first sparked his interest in art .
“ I was raised by artists , so my artistic story is the journey of a lifetime . I was born and raised in Great Falls , Montana . My parents were artists , and all my brothers are artists and writers .”
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