Collection: Blackshear II, Thomas

Originally from Waco, Texas, Thomas Blackshear II graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago in 1977. He began his career at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, where he had the opportunity to apprentice with renowned illustrator Mark English. By 1980, Blackshear was the head illustrator at Godbold/Richter Studio. Two years later, he transitioned to freelance work and has been self-employed ever since. 

Blackshear’s works are celebrated for their dramatic lighting and emotional depth. His versatile portfolio includes illustrations for advertising, books, calendars, collectors’ plates, greeting cards, magazines, postage stamps, and national posters.  His clients range from Disney Pictures, George Lucas Studios and Universal Studios to International Wildlife and National Geographic Magazine. Notably, he has illustrated 30 U.S. postage stamps and a commemorative stamp book titled I Have a Dream. Although he was successful, he was dissatisfied and decided to pursue a career in fine art. 

He has taught at the San Francisco Academy of Art College, as well as lectured at numerous workshops throughout the country. Blackshear is also known internationally, having taught a workshop in Sweden and toured German Air Force bases twice. In 2020, he was inducted into the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame.