My Biography Page
A Connecticut artist, Thomas A. Rickis
was raised in Hartford during his early
childhood years. Thomas attended the University of Connecticut and the Hartford Art School at the
University of Hartford. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Central Connecticut State
University graduating as a Special Studies Art Major.
He has been living in the Farmington Valley for 32 years. Thomas had a career in the insurance industry for 34 years
with a Fortune 100 Company. During this time he continued to paint, build furniture and took an interest in photography.
In 2003 he took an early retirement to launch a career as a full time artist. He is now following his passion
to paint along with continuing his work in photography. Tom started out as a self-taught painter.
He works in Oils, Acrylics and Watercolors. Some years later, he began taking courses at universities
to better his skills, techniques and expand his knowledge of art. During the 1970’s and 1980’s he continued
to paint and began exhibiting and selling his work. Watercolor has been his medium of choice for several
years. His primary subjects are traditional winter landscapes, some florals, still lives, abstracts,
watercolor/collagraphs, watercolor collage and abstract collages. During those years he also explored
building and designing furniture in addition to learning more about photography. Photography is his
secondary passion. Tom has exhibited in several galleries, corporations, retail business and educational
facilities in Connecticut such as the G. Fox & Co. Gallery in Hartford, Gallery on the Green in Canton,
Ellsworth Gallery in Simsbury, Images Gallery in Wethersfield, The Hartford Insurance Group in Hartford,
Karat Shop in Farmington, West Hartford Art League, Connecticut Watercolor Society, Lyme Art Association,
Canton Library and the Simsbury Library.
He has participated for several years in various art shows, including The Old Saybrook Art Show, The Glastonbury
on the Green Art Show, The Avon Art and Crafts Show and The City Wide Open Studio Show – New Haven.
Tom is a former member of the Tobacco Valley Artist Association and Avon Arts & Crafts Assoc. He is
currently a member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society, Canton Artists’ Guild, West Hartford Art League,
Lyme Art Association and the Simsbury Camera Club.
His paintings and photographs are in private collections throughout the U. S.