Born in 1949, Tom Browning has been a professional artist since 1972. Although his true passion for art is best seen in his fine art genre paintings, he is perhaps best known for his wonderful images of Santa Claus.

After attending the University of Oregon as an art major, Tom almost immediately began selling and submitting paintings to the galleries. As his interests in subject matter and medium continued to evolve, collectors continued encouragement by eagerly accepting his changing themes and directions. Now there are few subjects Tom hasn't painted, but figures, still life and landscapes remain his favorites.

It's ironic that a commercial venture launched by Tom and his wife, Joyce, twenty-two years ago created an entirely new market for Santa Claus and put Tom at the top when it comes to depicting the beloved icon both at work and play. Tom's treatment of these paintings as fine art was a key factor in their success and popularity.

waitingformaestrotb.jpgIn 1994 his instructional book "Timeless Techniques for Better Oil Paintings" revealed yet another aspect of Tom's talents — teaching. Since then, he has conducted oil painting workshops all across the country, and has helped and encouraged hundreds of eager to learn painters of all ages.

Even though people have been the subjects of Tom's paintings, a recent interest in portraiture has found him focusing on treating the crafts as yet another form of fine art. The likes of Sargent, Sorolla and Zorn have inspired him to look at a portrait as a challenge to create a subject of interest to any observer and lover of art.

osntb.jpgTom has painted over 144 delightful scenes of Santa since 1984 when Arbor Green Publishers began printing greeting cards and prints. Tom Browning Collection is currently publishng and handling Browning's prints and posters. These designs are also licensed to manufactureres that feature them on many other products such as figurines, giftt bags and gift wrapping paper , textiles and home decor.