It was Shane Lopez from the Gallup Organization who summed it up succinctly when he said, “It’s simple, Tom. You’re the storyteller”.
Tom Kerr has spent the better part of 40 professional years observing, listening, painting, writing and drawing to one end: he loves to tell stories. No matter which medium he chooses that’s the end game.
That mission applies directly to his portraits as well his landscapes. “Every face tells a story, and every pose enhances the message. At the end of the day I want the viewer to know something about what they have seen”.
He uses light and color as well as expression and pose to make his portraits authentic.
The majority of Kerr’s professional experience has been in the newspaper industry where the award-winning cartoonist/illustrator was called upon to draw cartoons, illustrations and caricatures for newspaper readers. One notable project was a series of watercolor paintings to accompany a series on regional cooking along the eastern seaboard.
It was during these years that Kerr developed an active freelance career which included commissions for portraits. It also involved drawing the iconic “McGruff the Crime Dog, and helping develop his nephew “Scruff” for the National Crime Prevention Council.
Tom works in a variety of mediums including oil, pastel, watercolor, charcoal and graphite.
He is a member of the American Portrait Society, and has won awards from Print Magazine, The Society for Newspaper Design and the New Jersey Press Association.
Fun to see your paintings again. How is the family?
Our family is absolutely great. Mary is pretty much retired, Em is about to start a new and very exciting job, and I’m healthy and super busy. How about you??
Hey Tom,
I can’t find your email address so hopefully this works. I know it’s a long shot but if there is any chance you and Mary are in Jersey this coming Saturday the 10th we are having drinks for Andy and Di at the Biergarten in Asbury at 3pm. He left the Press in October and they’ve sold their home and our moving to Burlington, Vermont. I just touched base with him last week and he told me his news so obviously this is all very last minute! Hope all is well! Chrissy
Chrissy, Did I ever respond to this?? My email at home is kerrtoons@cox.net
Tom, I love the Lady in Red. Is it still available? Maggi
Margaret, The Lady in Red is still available
Maggi, You wrote to me a few years ago about “The Lady in Red”. I don’t know if I ever replied!!!!
The art is still available.
Tom- long time!
Love your work!!! Always did!
Hoping all is well.
Best,
Jon
Jon,
Failing webmaster here. Thanks for reaching out all those years ago!! As you can see, I don’t check my site like I should.
‘Hope you guys are all well and good. I can’t believe Em has turned 33. Time is flying.