Tom DeDecker

If you have never experienced the phenomenon of the Rocky Mountains or the awe-inspiring mountains of the West face to face, you can do so. Thomas DeDecker's landscape oils portray the peace and tranquillity of nature, quickly transporting the viewer to a quiet clearing deep in the heart of a panoramic mountain scene to focus on the gathering of wildflowers. The arresting sense of color is revealed in the translucent quality of his water and skies, and an excellent eye for composition is displayed in the depth of movement of the flowers and trees blowing in a soft breeze. Thus, Mr. DeDecker feels in order for his paintings to be a success, they must not only be a portrayal of what one sees, but also include a mood, a feeling for that scene, giving it atmosphere. One can easily feel he has an inordinate sense and love for nature and people. Primarily a landscape artist, every now and then a figure appears in these spectacular setting, making us envious of them. Recent exploration into the Romantic landscape of the Hudson River School of Art has lead Mr. DeDecker to a more sincere and deeper understanding of the master's technique. His soft, gentle landscapes and moody tonal quality have brought to art lovers a revival of an almost faded technique which shows he has been greatly influenced by the French Impressionist painters, Monet and Van Gogh and the works of John Singer Sargent. A native of Appleton, Wisconsin and a graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, Mr. DeDecker has won numerous local, state and international awards including Artist of the Year and Outstanding Artist by C. M. Russell Museum and is featured in ''Artists of Renown.'' He is a member of ''American Royal Western Artists.''