The artist works in oil 'en plein air' as well as in the studio.  "I like to paint on location as often as possible, and simplify the subject matter down to the essentials, leaving out anything that may distract from my composition.  Brushwork is an important part of my paintings, and I love the consistency and feel of oils."

     The paintings on exhibit at Kona Frame Shop are displayed 'salon style' due to their relatively small size.  Tom explains "I will often paint a smaller painting so that I am able to catch what first attracts me to the scene before the light changes.  The natural light and colors have so much more dimension, I would lose some of the color relationships painting from a photograph."

     Tom earned a BFA in illustration at California State Long Beach University.  Affiliations include the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and the Plein Air Painters of Hawaii where he received "Best of Show" for the annual members juried exhibition in 2009.  He most recently received the "Artist Choice Award" and the "JoAnne Hanson Adams Memorial Award" in March 2011 at the Plein Air Painters of Hawaii exhibit on Maui.  He lives with his wife Amie and daughters Hailey & Emily in Kailua-Kona.

     The work of Tom Yessis will be on display at the Kona Frame Shop, in the old Industrial Area, through the month of May.  Hours: M-Thurs.  9am – 5pm, and Fri. 10am – 4pm.  For more information call 329-1722.  www.konaframeshop.com