Artist

My academic background is in environmental studies from Cornell University with graduate work in environmental design and architecture from the University of Minnesota. I was introduced to the Beaux-Arts approach to architectural drawing that combined precision drawing with watercolor washes. I became fascinated with the work of the British 19th century watercolorists. In addition, I was exposed to classical realism and that has become a lasting influence in my work. Over the years, my preparation and experience evolved into a career as an environmental designer and freelance fine art illustrator.

The transition to a career in fine art began in 1990. As illustration raced forward into a new digital era, my interests went back in time to the egg tempera painters of the early Renaissance. I came to love the traditional approach of very detailed drawings combined with precisely developed layers of color. Also, at the same time, a window of opportunity opened for me to pursue my other obsession; sailing and my love of the sea. My home and studio were reduced to fit aboard a 34ft. sloop and I sailed out of the Great Lakes to discover new horizons.

Until recently, I had been living aboard "Murmur" cruising the eastern seaboard of the United States with my wife Christina and our German Shepherd co-captain Mack. We have now combined our experience with a "home base" on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. My work remains focused on fine art with an emphasis on contemporary realism created in the spirit of old world craftsmanship. The themes are coastal life and traditions, maritime in nature, and the technique is classic egg tempera.

My work has been shown in both one man shows and group exhibitions. I have been included in a major international exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Currently, I am included in a major national exhibit with the American Society of Marine Artists. I have been fortunate to have my illustration and fine art placed in private, institutional and corporate collections including the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. My work is included in the book "Contemporary American Marine Art" published by the American Society of Marine Artists and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine has featured my work in a recent article on the history of maritime art. I am proud to have won recognition from the American Institute of Architects for excellence in drawing. In addition to numerous awards for both drawing and painting, I am especially honored to have won "Best of Show" awards in Miami, Florida; Ocean City, New Jersey; Glastonbury, Connecticut; Marco Island, Florida; and, most recently, Naples, Florida.

As the obsession continues, I am hopeful that the future will hold still more interesting adventures. Upcoming museum exhibits include: Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD; Noyes Museum of Art in Atlantic City, NJ; Spartanburg Art Museum, Spartanburg, SC; and the New Bedford Art Museum in New Bedford, MA. Please check my website (www.toftstudio.com) for new work, existing limited edition prints and a current exhibition schedule.