Biography

Tom Conner is based in Phoenix AZ. With degrees from the College of Design at North Carolina State University, he worked for many years as an architect but now works full-time at his art. Light and space are the common threads that tie his dual careers together. In fine art, he focuses on representational oil painting, especially the unique landscapes of the Southwest. He works both in his studio and en plein air to interpret the world around him.

Education
Bachelor of Environmental Design – NCSU, College of Design – 1991
Bachelor of Architecture – NCSU, College of Design – 1992

Professional Organizations
Oil Painters of America
American Impressionist Society
Arizona Plein Air Painters – past treasurer
Sonoran Arts League
Arizona Artists Guild

Gallery Representation
Belleza Gallery – Bisbee, AZ
The Finer Arts Gallery – Cave Creek, AZ

Recent Participant in Events & Shows
Sept 2026 – Oil Painters of America National Show
May 2026 – Oil Painters of America Spring Online Showcase – Finalist
May 2026 – NC Plein Air Festival Aug 2025 – Prescott Plein Air Festival – 3rd Place
Aug 2025 – American Impressionist Society National Show – Marjorie L Bradley Memorial Associate Member Award
Aug 2025 – Oil Painters of American Western Regional Show
Feb 2025 – American Impressionist Society Small Works Show – Award of Excellence
Nov 2024 – AZ Plein Air Painters Mood Room Show – 1st Place
Oct 2024 – Sedona Plein Air Festival – 1st Place, DA Ranch Paint Out
Oct 2024 – Prescott Plein Air Festival – 1st Place & Best Body of Work
Oct 2024 – Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show Oct 2024 – American Impressionist Society National Show
Apr 2024 – Oil Painters of America National Show – Ted Goerschner OPAM Impressionist Award of Excellence
Oct 2024 – Prescott Plein Air Festival – Best in Show
Jun 2023 – Oil Painters of Americal Western Regional Show
Feb 2023 – Scottsdale Artists’ School – Best & Brightest – 2nd Place, Oils
Jan 2023 – AZ Plein Air Painters Salon at Scottsdale Artists’ School- Member Show