MakingItArtisan$tories: Tom Pender The Curious Wallingford Artist

Recorded at studioW on Oct 14th Host GiGi About the Guest: Tom Pender is a Wallingford-based artist, educator, and community advocate whose work spans portraiture, fine art, commissions, teaching, and public engagement. A lifelong student of art, he continues to explore new creative directions while encouraging others to discover their own artistic voice. For More about Tom: TomPenderArtist.com Topics Discussed • Growing up in a family of artists  • Learning to paint as a child  • Commercial art and professional design work  • Artistic influences and creative inspiration  • Portrait painting and memorable client experiences  • Overcoming self-doubt and creative challenges  • AI and the future of art  • Teaching and mentoring emerging artists  • The role of community arts organizations  • Wallingford's artistic heritage and future Memorable Quote "I haven't painted my masterpiece yet." Episode Highlights In this episode of MakingItArtisan$tories, GiGi sits down with Wallingford artist Tom Pender, whose creative journey began with a set of oil paints at age seven and grew into a career spanning commercial art, graphic design, Disney-related projects, portrait commissions, and fine art. Tom shares stories from his childhood in a family of artists, including drawing lessons from library books and selling his sketches to siblings long before he imagined art as a profession. He reflects on the mentors and influences that shaped him, from Norman Rockwell and John Singer Sargent to the emotional power of classical music. The conversation explores the personal side of creativity as Tom discusses overcoming childhood shyness, finding inspiration in everyday life, and why he still believes his greatest painting is yet to come. Along the way, he shares memorable stories from portrait commissions, candid reflections on self-criticism, and the lessons learned through decades of artistic practice. We also dive into one of the most talked-about topics in today's art world: Artificial Intelligence. Tom offers a thoughtful perspective on how AI can be used as a learning tool without replacing artistic skill, creativity, or personal vision. Later, we discuss his teaching philosophy, favorite artistic mediums, the importance of community arts programs, and his hopes for the future of the arts in Wallingford. From studio life to public engagement, Tom reminds us that creativity belongs to everyone.