For more than two decades, the landscape paintings of Minneapolis-based artist Thomas Labandz have been a fixture in the American West. His work, inspired by the Hudson River School and created using the same materials and techniques, is infused with a deep passion for conservation and preservation. He has shown in leading galleries in Aspen, Denver, Jackson and Cody and is currently a fixture at the Royal Street Fine Art Aspen gallery. Two of his oils are also in the Governor's reception area in the Colorado Capital. 

Despite losing much of the function of his painting hand and arm in a ski accident, Thomas continues to paint. If anything, the slower pace of work, resulting from the injury, has brought a heightened sense of detail and subtlety to his art. Drawing inspiration from the Hudson River – using the same materials and techniques – his paintings are infused with a passion for conservation and preservation.

Throughout his work, there is balance of opposites. For example, thunderous rapids run through the stillness of a pine forest; a majestic mountain looks down upon a fishing fly landing softly upon the water; light competes with shadow; and a solitary man stands surrounded by an endless display of autumn color. The affect is serenity – pure and simple – as nature itself.

As an inveterate fly fisherman and skier (a former United States Ski Association coach and ski instructor in Aspen, CO), Thomas retains a child-like awe of the natural beauty he brings to his canvas. Thomas earned a degree in Art History and Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota. He also studied illustration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.For nearly two decades, the landscape paintings of Minneapolis-based artist Thomas Labandz have been a fixture in the American West. His work, inspired by the Hudson River School and created using the same materials and techniques, is infused with a deep passion for conservation and preservation.