In a time and age when anyone with a few dollars can buy a canvas, and put some paint on that canvas and call themselves an artist, there exists in our society those few who are truly exceptional artists. One such man is the highly skilled, Thomas Kolendra. Born in the year 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, Thomas Kolendra was a mere five years old when his uncle Russell, a professional artist himself, saw the talent that his nephew exhibited in a few simple drawings. Uncle Russell took Thomas under his wing and began to train the young boy and teach him the rudiments of the craft he excels at today. At ten years of age , Tom enrolled in a three year art course at the Brooklyn Museum. at eighteen, his interest had not waned and he studied commercial art at the Famous Artist Schools for another three years. Tom was looking forward to a career in art, but forces were working against him. Family and friends all told him that artist did not make much money and that he had better chose another profession to make his way in life. Unfortunately, he believed them and so Tom became a hair stylist. For the next twenty years he worked as a stylist, but art was in his blood and it was all he thought about. Turning his life around in a radical change, Tom listened to his heart and switched back to the field of art. He studied portrait painting and after a couple of years he began getting commissions for portraits from politicians, business, and military leaders. At the same time he began painting baseball art for collectors throughout the world. He is also the creator of Betty Boop's twin sister, Betina LeBloop. You can see this art at www.bettybooptwin.com Tom decided to pass on his knowledge of art and he started teaching. His art classes are always well attended by students who find it gratifing to be taught by such an exceptional talent. If you would like to find out more about these classes go to www.paintalongwithtom.com .
