Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. ” – Andy Warhol

Tom Chapman

About Tom Chapman

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Imagine careening down the track on a half-ton of horseflesh doing 40 MPH. Think of the jockey balancing himself motionlessly on top of his mount with no safety net. Visualize the bright colors of the jockeys’ silks, the flare of the horses’ nostrils, the excitement of horseracing. Some would consider the world of thoroughbred horseracing as an art form and the riders who guide their mounts as artists.

I am a former jockey-turned artist and many of my fans thought many of my riding feats were works of art. Now my art takes a more traditional form. Instead of riding horses, I paint them. I also paint just about everything else from wildlife, to birds, to chickens.

As a jockey, I’ve experienced the banging of the starting gate doors closing. I felt the horse under me anticipating the ringing of the bell and leaving there like a scalded cat when the gates burst open. I’ve heard the noise of the horses’ hooves and their strained breathing, the jockeys hollering, and the wind blowing through the rigging of my helmet. I’ve felt the horse’s mane whipping across my face and the dirt clumps pelting me like a hailstorm. A few times I’ve ever felt the sting of another jockey’s badly aimed whip. On top of all this, there is an adrenaline rush that just doesn’t stop. This is the unique perspective that I try to bring to my art. Many of my pieces either focus on the jockey or have a jockey’s point of view.

Because of my background in horseracing and my knowledge of horse anatomy my paintings are accurately depicted. My medium is oil on canvas of all different sizes. I’ve taken a few private lessons to learn about color mixing and values but for all practical purposes, I’m self-taught.  Realism is the style I use for the most part but I’ve dabbled in impressionism also. I not only capture the grace and beauty of my subjects, but also the raw power and energy that equine athletes exude. My dramatic use of color, light, and shadow display the excitement of horseracing at its very best.

Available Items by Tom Chapman

Tom Chapman Rainbow Lorikeet bird painting

Tom Chapman Rainbow Lorikeet Oil Painting 12×12

This is a depiction of a Rainbow Lorikeet bird. The painting is done on gallery wrap, where the edges are 1.5″ thick and painted. This painting does not need a frame.
  • Artist: Tom Chapman (Artist and former jockey)
  • Title: Rainbow Lorikeet
  • Size: 12″ tall x 12″ wide x 1.5″ deep
  • Framing:  Ready to hang
  • Medium: Professional artists grade oil paints
  • Artwork Description:  Rainbow Lorikeet bird
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tom chapman buffy chicken painting

Tom Chapman Buffy Chicken Original Oil Painting 12×12

This is an original oil painting of a buff Orpington chicken. The painting is done on gallery wrap, where the edges are 1.5″ thick and painted. This painting does not need a frame.  See photos for details. 

  • Artist: Tom Chapman (Artist and former jockey)
  • Title: Buffy
  • Size: 12″ tall x 12″ wide x 1.5″ deep
  • Framing:  Framed. Ready to hang
  • Medium: Professional artists grade oil paints
  • Artwork Description:  buff Orpington chicken
Learn More »
colorful rooster chicken painting by Tom Chapman

Tom Chapman In Living Color Rooster Painting

Tom Chapman In Living Color Rooster Painting This is a beautiful 12″ x 12″ oil painting by a well-known San Francisco artist, Tom Chapman. The title is In Living Color and features a colorful rooster. This item has SOLD. About the Artist Tom Chapman I am a former jockey-turned artist

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