Artist Tom Fuller was born in Wichita, Kansas, but his family roots stem from Oklahoma, where his values originate. He also fondly recalls his grandfather giving him his first pair of cowboy boots, as he was intrigued by cowboy culture early on and dreamed of living out West.
Cowboys & Coors – Beechfork Ranch, oil on board, 20 x 30”
Fuller’s history is peppered with stretches of unique challenges, but his obstacles ultimately led to a successful artistic career with many achievements. Fuller explains, “In the house my father bought, I often stayed upstairs, hidden and fighting a rare disorder that went unnoticed and undiagnosed until my early 20s. Through my many hurdles, I painted horses and the West. This was the only way I could let the cowboy and artist out of me.”
Throughout the years, Fuller kept his work to himself. “I was bashful and never thought my art was good enough,” he says, “but it was just something I did. I stayed upstairs, missed most holidays with my mother’s family, and would go down, get food and return upstairs to practice drawing and painting.”
Lori’s Horses, oil on board, 36 x 24”
After years of struggling with boredom in school, and receiving poor guidance from a school counselor, Fuller became an honor student and pursued a career in the criminal justice field, where he excelled, did many things, had many jobs and worked with many noted individuals. However, Fuller notes, “I always had a place to draw and paint no matter where I lived. The only art training I was able to attend was Composite Art Drawing for Law Enforcement.” Subsequently, he completed a drawing that identified a suspect in a child abduction case. 
I’m Next, oil on board, 16 x 14”
Eventually, Fuller’s disorder, known as Panhypopituitarism, caught up to him. His doctor recommended he no longer work. Instead of receiving this as bad news, Fuller began to discover hidden parts of himself. “Because of my health and struggles,” he says, “I realized being an artist is what my life was really all about. It was like waking up. Only after being pushed, and supported by many who believed in me, I now have the confidence to publicly show my work.” 
Brand New, oil on board, 9 x 14”
Several years ago, Fuller met a woman at a horse training seminar. “From the moment I met her, she was supportive and believed in me and what I do,” he explains. “Since then, I have had the opportunity to meet others, and I am proud to have their support. I owe many thanks to a lot of people. I realize this has all happened because of them.”
Fuller also feels fortunate and thankful for the opportunities and events he’s been part of. “The International Guild of Realism has been a blessing for me,” he adds, “and the Editor’s Choice Award is something I am most proud of, as well as the recent events at the Henderson Gallery in Sweetwater, Texas, and the Tom Powers Futurity at the World Equine Center, Ocala, Florida. —
Tom Fuller
Stevensville, MI • tfullerfineart@gmail.com
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