Tom Symonds, born in 1980 in Bath, United Kingdom, is a contemporary painter currently based in Bristol. Tom is best known for his large-scale paintings, small still life works, and portraiture, all meticulously executed in oil paint. His most recognisable works are characterised by their large semi-abstracted depictions of animals and figures set against abstract backgrounds.

Tom's artistic practice is deeply process-driven, exploring how early choices affect the development of a work of art. He employs a distinctive approach in his paintings, incorporating gold leaf as a prominent medium. Utilising low quality gold leaf, composed of a mixture of copper and other inexpensive metals, Tom deliberately exposes his artworks to the elements and various chemical processes, allowing them to undergo a natural process of decay or preservation. This approach results in paintings that, over time, may reveal the emergence of verdigris and expose the underlying surface, creating a striking interplay of corrosion and preservation.

Tom Symonds' work has been featured in several notable exhibitions, including "Decked" in 2009 at Stolen Space Gallery in London, United Kingdom, and another "Decked" exhibition in 2010 at Coningsby Gallery, London. In 2014, his work was part of the group exhibition "Antlers - From Fairy Tales to the Spirit World" in South Hamilton, MA, United States. Tom’s works are sought after and have found their place in numerous private collections, both nationally and internationally. His distinctive approach to contemporary painting, incorporating the use of gold leaf and his process-driven techniques, sets him apart as an artist of exceptional vision and creativity. Tom previously obtained a degree in Fine Art from Falmouth University.

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