With each member of the Thomas family specializing in a different art form, customers of Thomas Expressions have every art form at their fingertips.

Tim is an illustrator, cartoonist, painter and children’s book author. He has illustrated, written and published several of his own books, which are set here in Florida. Tim’s love of the natural world, as well as his childlike sense of wonder, has imbued his work with a style all his own.

“The biggest, most fulfilling thing to me is the books,” says Tim.

Terri is an acrylic painter who paints bright and colorful women’s art. She also works with Tim to produce Alfresco fine art.

Simply put, Alfresco art is watercolor on concrete and will not chip or fade and is extremely durable. Although it depends on the size of the project, the average piece takes three to four weeks to complete. One of Tim’s Alfrescos can be seen at Bird World Pet Store on Highway 22 in Callaway.

Tim and Terri’s love of art has been passed down to their young son, Tanis. Tanis, 11, created the series, “Krazy Fish.” The series includes colorful paintings of fish on art board. He also makes shirts using computer-generated geometrical shapes.

The Thomas family did not become artists overnight. It took some time and training.

Tim

Tim attended Tom P. Haney for commercial art design. He actually began his career on the beach as an airbrush artist. There, he found his love for the funny and amusing. He later spent time in the Navy where he would draw caricatures of his fellow servicemen.

As a diver, Tim found inspiration for some of his books, including “Manatee Christmas” and “Buddy Manatee.” Both books were written, illustrated and published by Tim.

As Tim became more efficient in self-publishing, he gained the confidence that brought him to where he is today.

“It all came together with the Sea Turtle book,” says Tim.

Tim has a new book in the works called “Didyano (Did You Know?),” which will be released in October. The book offers children fun and interesting factoids on animal family life, including what the males, females and babies are called within the group.

Tim finds it extremely gratifying when children, who have become fans of his book, tell him they want to grow up to be an artist just like him.

“I want them to know that there are jobs out there for artists,” Tim says. “No one told me that when I was a kid, and I wish they had.”

In addition to his own books, Tim has illustrated books for other authors, such as “Do You Know Where Sea Turtles Go?” written by Paul Lowery, “Where Do Sea Creatures Sleep?” written by Robert Hill, and “The Wise Mullet of Cook Bayou” written by Timothy A. Weeks.

Even though Tim has his hands full with Thomas Expressions, he still finds time to give back. He teaches basic drawing and self-publishing for the Gulf Coast Community College’s Encore Program.

Terri

Tim helped get Terri’s artistic journey off to a start by teaching her the basics, but Tim says Terri already had a remarkable eye for composition.

Terri took the basics and weaved them with her own unique style. Working with acrylics on canvas, she crafted a female empowering series of paintings called, “Belle-Remember When.”

Often referred to as folk art, Terri’s work is meant to sparkle and tickle the memories of women and their unique experiences.

“My life has been full of remarkable women,” says Terri. She hopes her work gives other women “lots of laughs and smiles.”

Terri’s work has been on the cover of Bay Arts Magazine and Beachcomber Magazine. She had her debut show at the Visual Arts Center in 2005. Her artwork can also be seen at Maddie’s Ice Cream Shoppe on Harrison Avenue.

Terri does not have as much time to paint as she used to since she home schools their son, Tanis. She hopes to paint a new series one day. However, for now, she’s content devoting all of herself to Tanis’ education.

Tanis

Tanis has many years ahead to perfect his skills as an artist, but he is already off to a running start with his “Krazy Fish” series.

Tanis’ interests are as varied as his parents. In addition to painting and creating images on the computer, he hopes to one day open a pet store. He recently became a brown belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate and is also a junior instructor at the Martial Arts Training Center’s KICKPlus After School Care Program.

Where to find the art

The Thomas family is truly unique with the love they have for each other and the creative energy that bursts from the seams. You can find out more about them and view their work by visiting their Web site at http://www.thomasexpressions.com/index.html.

Other Web sites to check out

Tim and Terri’s Alfresco work can be found at www.alfrescofineart.com.

Tanis’ work can be found at www.blackdog-cafe.com.