Artist's Biography
Thomas Merriam is a self taught artist whose paintings,
wood carvings and murals reflect his roots as a Maine
native. While growing up in the woodlands of North
Berwick and along the shorelines of York Harbor,
Merriam developed a keen appreciation for the wonders
of nature and wildlife and a heartfelt sense of American
history.
As an apprentice to George Carpenter, the last surviving
member of the Whiskey Water Color Association,
Merriam received a unique grounding in a technique
which he continues to build on today. From the sea to
the hills, Merriam learned to observe and record by
painting small watercolor studies for use, later, when
producing full size versions in his studio. He was trained
to use whiskey in the winter as a wash so his brushes
would not freeze and could work outside in almost any
weather. Merriam also learned to work fast and catch the
nuances of light in a scene and other atmospheric
conditions before it changed or faded.
wood carvings and murals reflect his roots as a Maine
native. While growing up in the woodlands of North
Berwick and along the shorelines of York Harbor,
Merriam developed a keen appreciation for the wonders
of nature and wildlife and a heartfelt sense of American
history.
As an apprentice to George Carpenter, the last surviving
member of the Whiskey Water Color Association,
Merriam received a unique grounding in a technique
which he continues to build on today. From the sea to
the hills, Merriam learned to observe and record by
painting small watercolor studies for use, later, when
producing full size versions in his studio. He was trained
to use whiskey in the winter as a wash so his brushes
would not freeze and could work outside in almost any
weather. Merriam also learned to work fast and catch the
nuances of light in a scene and other atmospheric
conditions before it changed or faded.
“If in this place we can find
inspiration and true love,
our passion becomes an
effort and achievement of
astounding proportions,
with an energy worth
causing pause, notice and
admiration. With this great
passion and talent, it is
the goal to create that
which others want and to
an artist’s gratitude you
shall possess a humble
portion of us. I am so
pleased that you have
stopped here to look upon
the world within me that I
have created to share with
you. May God bless you.”
– Thomas Merriam
inspiration and true love,
our passion becomes an
effort and achievement of
astounding proportions,
with an energy worth
causing pause, notice and
admiration. With this great
passion and talent, it is
the goal to create that
which others want and to
an artist’s gratitude you
shall possess a humble
portion of us. I am so
pleased that you have
stopped here to look upon
the world within me that I
have created to share with
you. May God bless you.”
– Thomas Merriam
In the artist's words:
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His work is filled with a Maine mystique and is reminiscent of the natural beauty
and venerable traditions of New England. The nostalgic character of New
England’s barns always grabs Merriam’s attention. Similarly, the rugged
seascapes and rolling hills of its pastoral settings always capture his heart.
Intricate details in his paintings offer a visual experience that tells a story, evokes
memories and stirs feelings in the viewer; the sound of wind moving through tall
pines or the smell of freshly cut hay.
and venerable traditions of New England. The nostalgic character of New
England’s barns always grabs Merriam’s attention. Similarly, the rugged
seascapes and rolling hills of its pastoral settings always capture his heart.
Intricate details in his paintings offer a visual experience that tells a story, evokes
memories and stirs feelings in the viewer; the sound of wind moving through tall
pines or the smell of freshly cut hay.
Bear in the Briers presents works of Thomas Merriam