This month’s feature local artist is Lee Thomas, his work is now on display in our Café and we managed to catch up with him to learn more about his journey, his inspiration and where you can find him on social media. His work will be displayed until mid August, so pop in, and you can even buy some of it too! 

Tell us a bit more about you, what you do and your story. 

Art has always been part of my life. I have worked in graphic design and illustration since graduating from Colchester Insitute with a degree in Design but my real passion has always been to be the art side. I started to exhibit as an artist a number of years into being a graphic designer and it has grown year after year. I’m originally from up North but stayed in the area after studying in Colchester. 

I have a lovely little family and a daughter who lives in America. They are a really big part of what we do. 

How long have you been drawing/painting?

From when I was very young. But on a more serious level for about 20+ years. 

What’s your inspiration?

I’m inspired by the world around me, nature, and the need to express myself in a creative way. My family drives me, I want to show them what I can do. 

What are your favourite prints or topics to cover?

I’ve been focusing heavily on the sea and boats for a number of years now as well as animals and nature. 

Where can people purchase your work?

I sell my work in multiple places and I’m just looking to build a dedicated selling website as well. 

Locations: The Loft (Tollesbury), The Naze Tower (Walton-on-the-Naze), Caxton Books (Frinton), Coffee House in the Gardens (Braintree), Bill and Berts, Café number 10, and Red Lion Books (Colchester).