Calistoga artist Tom Scheibal and two friends
One of the more bohemian, talented persons I know in Napa Valley, Tom Scheibal, has spent the past six months horsing around, so to speak.
Using pastels, feathers, wool, and whatever else he finds in his studio, the Calistoga artist evolved a series of mixed-media panels, of which the theme is WILD HORSES. (This would be a good time to turn up the volume of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses…”). Many of the images are finished with a luscious, thick coat of clear acetate-like lacquer, which hardens, adding depth to the subject.
I was shocked to see how good the series is; Tom, who has become a good friend over the 13 years I have lived in Napa Valley, called one day last summer and said, “I think I am going to paint wild horses.” He announced his decision with the casualness of one who has just skimmed the newspaper, and decided to attend the 8 pm screening of a film. If Tom had earlier been ruminating on the subject of what to paint for months, it certainly was never shared.
I only knew Tom as a sculptor, who had studied in Brighton, England, and as a designer/decorator, who has filled many homes in Napa Valley with brilliant, original and eclectic art. He also designed lawn furniture, which he fabricated on a fairly large scale in Mexico. Until last summer, I never knew the guy had an innate drawing talent, too.
This week, in advance of his exhibition at Myra Hoefer Design, in Healdsburg, Tom asked me to photograph some of his newest works for his own portfolio; in a word, they are awesome!
In fact, I was so impressed by his output that I figured napaman readers would want to know about the Healdsburg exhibit, which opens Sunday, January 24 at 2 pm. Tom will be present.
Myra Hoefer Design is located on the town square at 309 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA 95448. Tel: 707-694-2121.
I asked Tom what piqued his interest in horses, wild or not.
“I grew up next to a farm in Bellingham, WA, where they kept a herd of majestic Arabian horses. I’ve never forgotten these horses, though I have never actively ridden.”
Tom says that he has also been inspired by Robert Redford’s work to rescue wild horses; as such, part of the proceeds of the sale of images in this exhibition will be donated to several wild horse sanctuaries across the country.
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