D. Michael Thomas - About the Artist



ABOUT THE ARTIST

D. MICHAEL THOMAS BIOGRAPHY D. Michael Thomas, a Wyoming native, has been sculpting for over 30 years. Having grown up working on cattle ranches in remote western Wyoming and along side some real old timers, he feels lucky to have heard some of their stories, wit and sense of humor. So, it’s natural for Mike to possess a love of the west and its rich history. Raised in an artistic family he grew up with such heroes as Will James and Charles Russell just to mention a couple. Thomas graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1977 with a degree in Animal Science and Pre-veterinary Medicine. After graduation Thomas worked in the Agri-business field as both a Loan Officer and Manager of a Feed and Ranch Supply business for 16 years before turning to his art full time in 1993. That year he completed a monument depicting both sides of the infamous “Johnson County Cattle War” which stands near the First National Bank of Buffalo, Wyoming.


	Even though Thomas has had no formal training, he feels lucky to have some artist friends who have given priceless critiques, mentoring, sharing techniques and experiences. Thomas reflects that “hard work”, observation, patience and persistence” has paid dividends and he strives to improve on each piece he sculpts. Many of Thomas’ bronzes depict cowboys and events he participated in and witnessed first hand. He also enjoys researching both Native American culture and the events surrounding the first cowboys of the area. Thomas’ bronzes scale from miniature to larger than life.

Thomas has traveled throughout the west showing his sculptures at various art shows. He has accumulated many awards and is receiving growing attention from collectors. He’s been featured in the “Art of the West” magazine in January 1999 and July 2001; Southwest Art in July 2006; Equine Visions Winter 2001; Cover Artist Summer 2002; and Big Sky Airlines “Latitude” Winter 2006.