Thomas Woodruff (artist)

Thomas Woodruff (born 1957) is an American artist known for his richly detailed, often fantastical paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works. His art explores themes of nature, sexuality, mortality, religion, and mythology, often employing a vibrant, saturated color palette and meticulous technique.

Woodruff's work frequently incorporates symbolic imagery and narrative elements, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including botany, scientific illustrations, religious iconography, and queer culture. He is known for creating complex visual systems and densely layered compositions that invite close examination and interpretation.

Woodruff received his BFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and his MFA from Yale University School of Art. He has exhibited extensively in the United States and internationally, and his work is included in numerous public and private collections. In addition to his artistic practice, Woodruff is also a dedicated educator. He served as the Chair of the Illustration Department at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for many years, where he helped shape the careers of countless young artists.