Thomas Arvid
Thomas Arvid possesses an unerring ability to refine a moment. In doing so he captures our wonder and has become an art world phenomenon. Art Business News (May 2003) credits him with “launching a major art trend…” with his oversized still life compositions of wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption. Arvid’s images astound viewers with their intricate details and his mastery of light, depth and reflection.
The magic of his painting is in Thomas Arvid’s ability to visualize and chronicle an entire scene beyond the frame – to tell a story of enjoyment and the good life – using lush color and adroit composition. Thomas Arvid is passionate about art and wine, a collector of both, he strives to capture the pleasure of a life well lived on each canvas. An Atlanta resident and fresh-faced father of two toddlers, the self-taught artist insists that wine should be approachable; his paintings are an embodiment of the casual way that we enjoy wine today. He is an appealing role model for a lifestyle of easy elegance and unpretentious charm.
Arvid’s approach to wine and painting is not surprising, given his background as a Detroit native raised to parlay his inherent artistic talent into a secure job in the industrial complex. Instead, Arvid made the leap into pursuing his art as a career, and with the support of his art historian girlfriend and inspiration garnered during a backpacking trip through Europe, he began painting full time.
Drawn to wine by his focus on the color red, Thomas Arvid knew he had discovered something when his paintings featuring red wine were being purchased before they were even finished. Arvid himself has been awed by the response to his work, “Wine is a great subject because people are familiar with it; they really connect to it. My paintings speak to the special moments that people share when they share wine – it’s amazing that my collectors find a personal fulfillment in my work, especially when I’m just doing what I love.”
The aura surrounding Arvid’s work is palpable. His international appeal has created such demand that his work is represented by over 50 elite art galleries in the US, Canada, and Japan, and collectors are willing to wait years for one of his originals. Influential wineries such as Silver Oak Cellars, and Diamond Creek Winery collect Arvids because he translates the craftsmanship of wine to canvas. Doug Shafer, of Shafer Family Vineyards, likens Arvid’s skill to that of a winemaker, “Arvid’s style is big and bold, with enough selected detail and softness to create a sense of balance. . . this blend of elements is precisely what winemakers hope to bring to their top vintages.
Today, Thomas Arvid and his wife, Vanessa, head Thomas Arvid Fine Art, Inc. one of the most successful boutique art publishing companies in the country. Founded in 2000, the company distributes Arvid’s limited editions and originals across the country and the world, and has released in November 2004 a retrospective of Arvid’s work. “Arvid: Redefining the Modern Still Life” traces the development of Arvid’s style from its beginnings a decade ago to the lifestyle it is today. The book is a fitting chronicle to illustrate one of Arvid’s favorite phrases, “Life without art is like dinner without wine. Why bother?”
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“Vessels of Freedom”
43 x 22.25 inches
Limited Edition of 275
Artist Proof of 185
Limited Edition on Metal of 45
“Best In Show”
25 x 16.6 inches
Available on Canvas or Metal
“A Rare Find”
43 x 18 3/4 inches
Limited Edition on canvas 275
Artist Proof on canvas 185
Hors Commerce on Canvas 35
Sublimation on Metal 45
Hors Commerce on Metal 35
“Eleventh Hour”
17 x 43 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 275
Artist Proof on Canvas 185
Hors Commerce on Canvas 35
“La Dolce Vita”
32 x 34.5 inches
Limited Edition on canvas
Artist Proof on canvas
“Wishful Thinking”
36 x 36 inches
Limited Edition of 195
Artist Proof 75
“Liquid Sunshine”
43 x 17 1/4 inches
275 Limited Editions
185 Hand Embellished Artist Proofs
35 Hors Commerce
Just in time for beach, pool, porch, and lake days, a little “Liquid Sunshine” to brighten your summer!
“Bonita Tequila”
42.5 x 20.5 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
Always keeping things fresh, Arvid departs from his traditional subject matter to focus south of the border on some iconic tequilas. By leaving some of the bottles and the background sketched in, Arvid allows the deep amber of the painted bottle to really pop, making it look indeed like “Bonita Tequila.”
The details in Arvid’s iconic oil paintings are unparalleled. Each layer is meticulously painted to create images that are more detailed than photographs. But by leaving some parts of his paintings unpainted, he gives us a glimpse of his creative process. We can literally see the bottom layer of the painting and really get a feel for the hand of the artist.
“California Dreaming”
43 x 25.5 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
Featuring three iconic California wineries, “California Dreaming” is sure to be a fast seller and a collector favorite. In this painting, Thomas has us dreaming of the day when we can get back to California wine country to visit family and friends.
“Along the Way”
30 x 37.75 inches
Limited Edition of 195
Artist Proof 75
Just like the Scarecrow and the Tin Man met on the road to Oz, Arvid meets many people during the process of completing a commission: the collector, the gallery consultant, the winemaker. And often, “Along the Way” to finishing the painting, they become good friends over shared adventures and some fantastic bottles of wine. When the painting is done, it is much more than just a moment captured or a final destination ~ it’s reflective of the whole journey and embodies all the relationships that are formed “Along the Way.”
“For The Girls”
43 x 24 inches
Limited Edition of 195
Artist Proof 75
Authenticity is central to Arvid’s work and life, and one of the things that resonates with his avid collectors. “For the Girls” celebrates a lazy afternoon in the South. The weathered, white-washed table, contrasted with the elegant French Rosés perfectly illustrates the range of “Arvid World.” With little surprises thrown in, like the vivid garden flowers and the tempting droplets on the chilled bottle, he’s deftly captured a moment we all remember, a casual gathering that becomes an indelible memory. And, of course, this was all thrown together “For the Girls!” Rosé all day dolls!
“Somewhere on a Beach”
30 x 40 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
Drawing inspiration from some of his favorite destinations, Thomas Arvid brings us to a place we all know and love: “Somewhere on a Beach.” Arvid recounts that he conceptualized the painting in the Exumas, one of his favorite destinations. But he used the soft white sand of the Florida Panhandle for the beach, and inspired by his home-away-from home, he painted the blue water and sherbet skies of Maui. By incorporating the best of his favorite beaches, Arvid brings us a composition that is immediately familiar, and we can feel the stress melt away because there is literally nothing better than being “Somewhere on a Beach.”
Arvid believes in living artfully, whether crafting a fine dinner for friends and collectors, or restoring an old wood boat, he puts detail and passion into everything he does. He also believes in embracing life to the fullest and in living as if it’s an adventure. Thus, when he had the opportunity to move his family to Maui, he seized it immediately. While on the island, the family fully immersed themselves in the beach lifestyle, surfing together, diving together, and, most importantly, chasing sunsets together. Inspired by the crystal turquoise waters and the cerulean blue skies of the island, Arvid has threaded more blue into his paintings, and in this case, uses those blues to transport us to “Somewhere on a Beach.”
“Making History”
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
With stunning clarity and exquisite detail, Thomas Arvid once again brings a moment in time to life for us in “Making History.” Commemorating the famous “Judgement of Paris” blind wine tasting in Paris in 1976, when the Americans shocked the world by sweeping the competition (see the movie Bottle Shock), “Making History” beckons us to get lost in the captivating reflections and incredible detail that Arvid employs to breathe life into history. A testament to the world-class wines of Napa Valley and to the undeniable mastery of Arvid, “Making History” celebrates both the victory of the underdog and the craftsmanship and excellence of the American spirit.
Since his first visit to Napa Valley in 1997, Arvid has had a steady presence there and considers the valley his “home away from home.” Much of his life in Napa is centered around Mama (Suzanne) Salvestrin. After many mornings and lazy afternoons loitering in the kitchen with Mama while she baked goods to raise money for the St. Helena Historical Society, Arvid suggested there could be a more expedient way to raise funds. So together, they cooked up an idea: Arvid could gather his artist friends, and using images from the Historical Society archives, they could create paintings based on them and thus bring history back to life. The final creations could be auctioned to benefit the society. Hence the annual gala fundraiser, “History Becomes Art,” was born. All proceeds from the sale of the original “Making History” benefited the Historical Society, and the painting graces the walls of a custom home overlooking the vineyards of Napa, perfectly set amidst the beautiful valley that it so proudly commemorates.
“A Winkle in Time”
43 x 15 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
In a departure from his signature style, Arvid deftly displays the gestural hand of the artist in “A Winkle in Time.” While the bourbon in the glass, parts of the label, and the foil reflect the level of clarity and detail Arvid is famous for, he teases us by leaving strategic parts of the painting penciled in. Arvid also takes a natural segue from wine to bourbon. Inspired by sipping fine bourbon after dinner with friends, Arvid captures the inexplicable moment when you make a connection and a memory with someone over something as simple as sharing spirits. Once again, he reminds us to slow down and savor the details, because that is where life happens.
Like many of his collectors and friends, Arvid is also an avid wine and art collector. With his art historian wife, Vanessa, he has built an impressive and diverse collection of art over the years and loves sharing it with visitors to his home and studio. Because art almost always has a great story behind it, Arvid particularly enjoys recounting the tales behind his collection over a fine bottle of wine or with a few sips of bourbon..
“Garden Party”
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
Thomas Arvid may be best known for his incredible talent and his ability to bring life and meaning to what would otherwise be “still life” paintings, but he is almost equally famous for his charismatic personality, his joie-de-vivre, and his incredible kindness. His infectious happiness and joy in life have perhaps never been portrayed on canvas with such poignancy as in “Garden Party.” Inspired by the larger-than-life sculpture of frolicking rabbits in front of Dancing Hares Winery in St. Helena, “Garden Party” and the bottle itself show how art inspires art. And who isn’t charmed by a circle of dancing hares? A celebration of beauty and craftsmanship, “Garden Party” reminds us that beauty on the inside is reflected on the outside, and calls us to exuberantly celebrate both.
While Arvid focuses the bulk of his creative energy on his paintings, he is also always dabbling in other arts. Often found in a circle of friends around a campfire, entertaining everyone with his guitar, his easy singing voice, and his larger-than-life smile, Arvid effortlessly manifests joy and comradery. He is also an avid cook, and his art historian wife, Vanessa, has often said that if he wasn’t a visual artist, he would be a chef. He channels those efforts into not only feeding friends and family, but is dedicated to providing the local family shelter with home cooked, lovingly prepared meals on a regular basis, taking great satisfaction in creating memorable and delicious meals for the shelter as he does in creating masterpieces for his collectors. Arvid truly radiates beauty from the inside out.
“Sign Me Up”
43 x 15.75 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
Using a deceptively simple composition, Thomas Arvid once again elevates an everyday moment into a vivid memory with “Sign Me Up.” Without any formal presentation, the arrangement of glass, wood and steel creates a balance of texture and positive and negative space that beguiles the viewer to enter the scene and linger there. We have experienced this casual moment before, but Arvid invites us to step in and visually explore it. The deep red and soft wax capsule contrast with the cool blue of the background and the reflective crystal vies with the warm wood; even the lettering on the bottles is an exploration of contrast between the sharp lines and curving script. We are so engrossed in the scene that we call “Sign Me Up.”
Arvid has a knack for distilling a moment into a lasting impression. He lives his life the way he creates his compositions: with a passion for crafting a moment without pretense. Despite the demands of his busy career and active family, he manages to slow down and savor each moment in a way that creates a lasting memory and endears him to all he encounters. In Arvid world, every day offers an opportunity to craft a masterpiece, in life and on canvas.
Current Releases
“Ladies Choice”
43 x 22 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas 195
Artist Proof 75
“Open to Suggestions”
20 x 30 inches
Limited Edition Giclée on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
Hinting at an evening spent in great company, tasting and comparing different vintages of the same wine, “Open to Suggestions” illustrates, once again, that nobody captures details and nuance like Thomas Arvid. Taking a single element that has the potential to be redundant (all corks from the same wine), Arvid arranges them unexpectedly and shows us, unequivocally, that each one is unique. By highlighting the different shades of the corks, the individual stains, and the differing textures, Arvid takes something repetitive and predictable and transforms it into something intriguing and unexpected, much like a jazz musician transforming a traditional melody into an exciting arrangement.
Since taking a leap of faith in the early 1990s, quitting his day job, and selling his possessions so he could focus solely on creating art, Arvid has been adamant that his work be original. Painting wine at a café in Atlanta early in his career, he became locally known as the “Wine Artist,” and quickly had a waiting list for his next painting. He took his first trip to Napa Valley to make sure no other artists were already exploring his oeuvre, and history was made. His relationship with Silver Oak Cellars was planted in the mid-1990s and continues to flourish today. In celebration of Arvid’s release of “Open to Suggestions,” Silver Oak Cellars is providing corks for customized frames for this dynamic work of art, a terrific opportunity for collectors created by Arvid’s investment in authenticity and quality in his work and relationships.
“Lucky”
43 x 28 ¾ inches
Limited Edition Giclée on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
Soaked in the warm, rich tones of the wood table and the ruby red wine, “Lucky” is a testament to Thomas Arvid’s singular ability to capture the opulence and seduction of sharing a beautiful wine with great friends. Each segment of this gorgeous painting is a work of art on its own. From the deep shadows on the crate, to the intricate reflections in the glass, each detail is perfectly crafted and proof that it is not mere luck that made Arvid “America’s Preeminent Painter of Wine.” While he feels “Lucky” to do what he loves, we feel “Lucky” that he shares his talent and passion with us.
As an artist, Thomas Arvid strives not just to create beautiful works of art, but to also craft his life like a work of art. Whether it is an easy, festive table setting for a tropical breakfast with friends, a fabulous chef prepared wine dinner under the stars, or a seasonal supper prepared for the family shelter, he looks for all the details to put together an artful whole. When work called him to move to Maui this year, he seized the opportunity to show his boys how to live an artful life. Arvid knows how “Lucky” he is and transforms his gratitude into service to the community: through donations, ambassadorship and hands-on service to the needy.
“Life’s Pleasures”
32 x 42 ½ inches
Limited Edition Giclée on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Uplifting”
46 x 15.5 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Just In Case”
21.5 x 43 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“In God We Trust”
38 x 30 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Perfect Balance”
43 x 20 inches
Limited Edition on canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“You’re Two Kind”
42 x 17 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Sonoma Sunset”
32 x 38 inches
Limited Edition on canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“First Pour”
60 x 18 inches
Magnum Edition
Artist Proofs of 40
“Lasting Impression”
43 x 17 ½ inches
Limited Edition on canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Gold Standard”
23. 25 x 43 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Bin There”
17.5 x 43 inches
Limited Edition on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Doctor’s Orders”
43×19.75 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“In Maya Dreams”
36×17.5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Paper of 95
“After All These Years”
43×21.5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“It’s a Sure Win”
36 x 20 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Paper of 95
“Higher Ground”
13×6.5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Paper of 295
“Well Traveled”
32×41 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“Silver Lining”
27×36 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas of 195
Artist Proofs of 75
“It’s a Long Night”
36″ x36″
Limited Edition Giclee of 175
Artist Proofs of 95
“Golden Opportunity”
26 x 42 inches
Limited Edition Giclée on canvas of 175
Artist Proofs on canvas of 95
“O What A Night”
30 x 40 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas of 175
Artist Proofs of 95
“In Good Time”
36 x 24 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 125
Artist Proofs of 45
“Bear Necessities”
36 x 16 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“A Few Of My Favorite Things”
Limited Edition Giclee on Paper of 125
“Lifting Everyone’s Spirits”
24 x 44 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“A Little Southern Charm”
36 x 20 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 75
Artist Proofs of 25
“Inspirational Living”
42 x 31 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Ultimate Destination”
24 x 36 inches
Limited Edition Serigraph on paper of 325
“Something Worth Celebrating”
43″ x 25″
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artists Proofs of 135
“Tour de Force”
31 x 18 inches
Limited edition giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Life of the Party”
22 1/4 x 12 inches
Limited Edition Serigraph on board 460
Paired with “So Deserving”
“So Deserving”
22 1/4 x 13 inches
Limited Edition Serigraph on Board 460
Paired with “Life of the Party”
“Private Study”
30 x 20 inches
Limited Edition Giclèe on canvas of 375
Artist Proofs of 85
“With Pride”
31 x 31 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Any Port”
43 x 30 inches
Limited Edition Giclèe on canvas of 375
Artist proofs of 85
“A Budding Passion”
43 x 22 inches
Limited Edition Giclèe on canvas of 375
Artist Proofs of 85
“Shines Like It Does”
42 x 13 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Reflections”
31 x 31 inches
Limited Edition Giclèe on canvas of 375
Artist Proofs of 85
“Winding Down”
36 x 36 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 125
Redefining The Modern Still Life with "With Pride", "In Wine Country", and "Like it’s 1999" are sold as a triptych.
Edition of 495
“With Pride”
“In Wine Country”
“Like It’s 1999”
Sold Out
“Les Bouchons”
12 x 36 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“The Collection”
25 1/4 x 43 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Private Moment”
43 x 18.5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas of 175
Artist Proofs of 95
“If I Only Had a…”
30 x 14 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas of 35
Artist Proofs of 35
“It’s a Shore Thing”
44 x 14.5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 175
Artist Proofs of 95
“Livin’ Large”
60 x 40 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas
Artist Proofs of 40
“One More Night”
16×5 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Paper 295
“Les Bouchons”
Available now with a custom cork frame option. Please call us for details.
“Two Much Fun”
10 1/4 x 16 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on paper of 125
“Cork Envy”
20 x 4 1/2 inches
Limited Edition Sculpture of 325
“Labor of Love”
46 x 23 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“First Pour”
46 x 13 3/4 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Friends in Town”
42 x 28 inches
Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas of 325
Artist Proofs of 135
“Stems from Napa”
13 1/2 inches x 22 1/2 inches x 4 1/2 inches
Serigraph on crate 275
“Slice of Napa”
22 1/2 inches x 13 1/2 inches x 4 1/2 inches
Serigraph on crate 275
“Golden Opportunity”
30 x 40 inches
Original Mixed media on canvas (Pencil, charcoal, acrylic and oil)
(Sold to Private Collector)
“Warming Up”
21 x 34 inches
Limited Giclee on paper 125
“Unstoppable”
18 x 36 inches
Limited Edition Sublimation on Metal of 45
“Breaking the Ice”
36 x 19 ½ inches
Sublimation on Metal
Grand Edition of 45
