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"The people I portray are the real story… My
hands and the pastels are just the words on the
paper.”
Portraying tomorrow’s memories today… that’s
how Tom Sierak likes to describe his pastel
paintings. He says, “People often talk about the
good old days, and how nice it would be to
return to them. I think the times we are living now
are good old days…of tomorrow. Places and
things may change around us, but the bond
that exists between children, parents, and
grandparents never does. A little part of me goes
into each painting, but the people I portray are
the real story. My hands and pastels are simply
the words on the paper. I try to convey a
message of warmth and emotion, and hope
these late 20th century portraits of American life
someday become viewers windows to the
past.”
The New Englander’s medium of choice is
pastels. He feels that they’re just starting to
receive widespread recognition. He says, “I
favor pastels because I’m able to draw and
color simultaneously, and I love to draw. It’s a
great combination for me.”
Pastels are made from the same pigments used
for oil paints. A binding agent is added to create
a chalk-like stick, which is applied to a textured
surface, usually paper. Available in many
vibrant colors, pastels maintain a just-painted
look indefinitely, unlike oils, which tend to crack
and darken over time. “It’s an unfamiliar
medium to a number of people, and I’d like to
do my part to help change that.” Says Sierak.
A graduate of the Vesper George School of Art
in Boston, Tom’s work was the featured cover
story in the April 1995 issue of The Artist’s
Magazine. His work has appeared on many
covers of Reminisce, a national publication with
a nostalgic theme, and Ideals magazine, which
features art and poetry. Tom’s greeting cards
and prints are sold worldwide and a new book,
“Giving Love A Memory” featuring over 20 of his
paintings has just been released by Harvest
House Book Publishers.
S. Thomas Sierak is published exclusively by
Bentley House Fine Art Publisher of Walnut Creek,
California and distributed worldwide.
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