About The Artist

 

     An Arkansan who achieved many honors and recognition throughout his lifetime for his artistic talent. Early in his career, Hinton was primarily a portrait painter but in later years he became seriously interested in watercolor. His formal training as an artist was gained through studies at the University of Arkansas, the American Academy in Chicago, the Art Students League in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago where he received his bachelor's degree. He also worked with numerous eminent American artists including Charles Hawthorne, Elmer Forsberg, Wellington Reynolds, George Oberteuffer and Elliot O'Hara.

1906 - 1975

  

     In the thirties Hinton exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C. and the National Gallery as well as the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1932, he painted the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt which was purchased by the Roosevelt family for their collection. Two years later he painted the portrait of John Nance Garner, Vice President under Roosevelt. In 1934 three of Hinton's watercolors which were painted for the Public Work Art Project of the Treasury Department were selected for the permanent collection of the National Gallery (then at the Smithsonian). Other works are permanently exhibited at the Arkansas State Capitol and the University of Arkansas.

  

 

     Hinton served as a fashion illustrator and commercial artist in New York City during the forties, and returning to Arkansas in the fifties, he resumed portrait painting and watercolor. He was instrumental in forming several art leagues and setting up instruction programs for handicapped children. He served both as counselor and instructor for these projects as well as those in correctional institutions.

     Thomas Hinton earned many top awards throughout the South; in Arkansas, his awards were seen in the Arkansas State Festival of Arts, the Delta Exhibitions, Midsouthern Watercolorists, Inc. and others. He was a charter member of the Hoover Watercolor Society in Shreveport, Louisiana and had featured exhibits and one man shows at R. S. Barnwell Arts Center. He gave lectures and demonstrations frequently throughout the South. In his last years he seldom exhibited and most of his work today is in private collections.