Tom E Cole I am an artist who has lived nearly his entire life in the state of MD. I am not sure how to encapsulate my work & my style in words, but I'll try. I am forever learning to paint; I'm not there yet, nor will anybody be. I use many different styles, subjects, sizes, & media while always attempting not to copy what has already been done: Art is based on the New; everything else is some form of design. That is the only thing holding me back, and rightfully so but it is a needed barrier.

My art creativity must be inspired and if I must give it an artificial deadline then the work suffers. I do the best under each individual circumstance and that is why my work is often incomplete &/or not displayed in a timely manner. My website (tecRelief.com) has no time limit, so much of my best work is on display there. It is up & functional but falls pray to the same issues stated above. It has a more desirable outcome because of the lack of deadlines. I strive to put my best foot forward, so-to-speak, and that is the only thing that holds me back.

All work I do now is subject to scrutiny, especially by me. I am struggling to leave the confines of traditional art, but other art that has left that confinement has also left the painterly tradition.