Thomas Tunney

Thomas Tunney is a self-taught oil painter who has earned widespread recognition for his expressive use of color and light in intricately detailed works. After high school, he began painting under the inspiration of Rembrandt van Rijn, though his musical aspirations initially took priority. Years later, following a successful career as a realtor, Tunney returned to his artistic passion and entered Park West Gallery’s 2017 MI Great Artist competition, which sought emerging artists from Southeastern Michigan.
Tunney advanced to become one of five finalists, and the competition culminated in a gallery show at Park West Gallery—the first time he had ever publicly exhibited his artwork. The judges, including Park West’s Albert Scaglione, named him the 2017 winner. His prizes included a solo exhibition at Park West Gallery, which Tunney found both amazing and humbling.
Influenced by Rembrandt’s technique of impasto and glazes, Tunney paints in oils on panel. His style blends Impressionism and realism, featuring warm colors and quick brush strokes with detailed emphasis on the hands and faces of his subjects. He finds inspiration in fleeting moments of everyday life, believing oil paint brings more life to a scene than any other medium. Tunney is represented by Park West Gallery.