Noah Thomas: A Chicago Educator and Artist

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Noah Thomas is a Chicago based painter originally from Stoughton, Wisconsin, a small town outside Madison. His interest in art developed at a young age, influenced by his older sister, who frequently excelled in art, and an uncle who worked as a professional artist. What began as curiosity soon became a meaningful outlet. Thomas was drawn to art for its therapeutic value, finding that creating helped redirect energy he might otherwise spend dwelling on difficult or overwhelming feelings and experiences. His earliest work consisted of graphite drawings of animals, still life, and characters from Star Wars, eventually leading him toward painting during his high school years. Today, his work spans a broad range of expressionism and surrealism and works in multiple mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, and clay.

Thomas earned a BA in Fine Arts–Theatre with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in 2017. While heavily involved in theatre as an actor, he was also studying psychology, which deepened his interest in emotional experience and human behavior and how they shape the work we create. His time in theatre—considering the stage from both a performer’s and designer’s perspective—helped develop his sense of atmosphere and immersion. During this time, a course focused on oil painting sparked his lasting interest in the medium and inspired him to create works that feel grounded in the textures of reality while exploring his imagination.

After moving to Chicago in 2018, Thomas became active in the city’s local art scene. Now based in the Wicker Park neighborhood, he continues to paint and exhibit his work throughout Chicago, including exhibitions at Center on Halsted, while developing a body of work rooted in expressive color, texture, and imaginative environments.

Thomas has taken inspiration from several artists, particularly Hopper and Dali.