About Daniel Thoms

My work is driven by a profound personal connection to the natural world and an attempt to transmit my aesthetic appreciation of it. In an era defined by humanity’s increasing disconnection from the environment, where living nature is often treated as a commodity to be exploited, I view the act of careful, humble observation as a necessary counter-measure. Instead of focusing on concepts and cultural references, I turn to the senses and find inspiration and beauty in a world we are at risk of losing.

To this end, I work primarily en plein air, valuing the unmediated direct experience that is only possible painting outdoors. I often combine painting with long hikes to reach wild and quiet landscapes and fully immerse myself in the places and moments that I portray.

I aim to mirror the chaotic complexity and vitality of nature with my technique. Up close my paintings show dynamic, fluid brushstrokes and interacting layers of paint, echoing the gritty textures of the material world. When viewed from a distance, these marks resolve into a realistic representation of light and atmosphere.

Ultimately, my paintings are an attempt to convey the awe I felt in the presence of these landscapes and an invitation to witness the vastness and beauty of the natural world.