This is actually the name of the overall business that craigcthomas.com represents. One branch of Craig Thomas Art Services is Excellent Sky Gallery & Empire Records in which my completed works of art are for sale. The art services branch is for custom, customer-specified artwork in both fine art, mostly paintings, and web design. I currently offer the following services:

Artwork services - includes the planning and execution of original artwork for your home or business. This can range from one to many pieces all on a commission basis. From initial consultation to final installation I can plan an overall package to meet your art needs in painting and photography.

I came up with the idea about 20 years ago that custom paintings for individuals and businesses could be a viable direction in art and interior design - that many people might benefit from an overall look and it might actually be more cost-effective than collecting many pieces from various locations. Because I work in a few different styles - abstract as well as representational - there can be a built-in element of variety visually while still maintaining an overall look and feel. As one example, you can have a favorite photograph "blown up" and made into a large oil painting; this is probably the most common request I've had over the years.

Web Design services - Whether you need just a simple home page or pages or have a more complex business site, I can design your website to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing and maintain the site as well when the need arises to update. I combine both my background in art and design with 9 years' plus work in the IT industry; I am proficient in HTML/XHTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript markup languages; on familiar terms with XML. and an expert in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and ImageReady web authoring tools. I support web standards and code all work to W3C standards.

Teaching/Instruction - I have taught art courses to classes at the university level at University of North Texas from 1987 - 1990. The subjects I taught there were beginning and intermediate drawing and figure drawing. Classes ranged in size from 22 to 35 students. I have also taught individuals through private instruction for over 10 years. The subjects I have taught on an individual basis are watercolor painting and oil painting. I have offered and taught workshops in drawing and painting over the years and have led group critiques of student artwork.