Tom Shanks RSW RGI PAI is widely acknowledged as one of the most impressive of contemporary Scottish artists. He is known for his evocative paintings of the West Highlands which he has loved since childhood. At the age of seven his parents first took him from his home in Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. This visit had a profound effect upon him, becoming his inspiration to paint.

On leaving school, Tom became an apprentice carpet designer at Templetons carpet factory and he first exhibited his paintings in the company’s art club. As his interest and skill developed, he applied to Glasgow School of Art to attend evening classes. The exceptional quality of his work was recognised and he was encouraged to enrol for the full-time diploma course.

After graduating in 1950, Tom worked as a mural painter and stage designer in the Edinburgh Weavers Dovecot Studios and as a teacher of art and continued to paint in his spare time.

Tom Shanks has always painted the Scottish landscape. His mastery of pen, ink and watercolour marks him out and very few artists equal his skill in bringing to life the grandeur and changing moods of the Scottish mountains, lochs and glens. In his eighties, Tom continues to paint and exhibit.