Cooper & Smith Gallery features paintings by Tom Root as it celebrates its third anniversary with a gala opening on Friday, June 29, 5 – 7 p.m. Working in the traditional style, Tom Root paints from life. A flawless draftsman, Root will often emphasize outline or hint at the underlying drawing, raw canvas exposed. The effect invites the viewer into the immediacy of the portrait session, as artist and subject connect in silent contemplation. Tom Root’s portraits capture a physical likeness animated by a rich inner life.

An Alabama native, Tom studied drawing and painting at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Connecticut, under Aaron Shikler N.A. and Deane G. Keller, and at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. A professional figure and portrait painter for over thirty-five years, Tom has work in private and public collections across the country, including the New Britain Museum of American Art (New Britain, CT) and the Tennessee State Museum (Nashville, TN). The gallery is open daily, 10:30 – 5, and by appointment. 10 Main Street, Essex.