Movement. Energy. Color. To the trained eye, New Jersey offers an endless bounty of subject matter. Throughout 2017, EDGE will celebrate artistic excellence in its new Local Talent section. We begin the year with the work of Thomas Wacaster, an illustrator by trade whose body of work includes oils and pastels. A graduate of Newark’s School of Fine and Industrial Arts, Tom studied under legendary illustrator Irv Doktor in Greenwich Village. His paintings have been displayed at numerous exhibits and galleries in New Jersey. More than 40 of his paintings, commissioned by the Ford Foundation, have graced the walls of the McGraw-Hill building in New York City.

Erie Lackawanna, Oil on Canvase, 36″x24″

In an impromptu ceremony atop the parking garage, Tom presents a painting of the Trinitas campus to Medical Center CEO Gary S. horan, FACHE.

5:10 to Elizabeth, Oil on Canvas, 12″x9″

Hunterdon Balloons, Oil on Canvas, 20″x10″

Late Summer in Menlo Park, Oil on Canvas, 24″x18″

Uncle Bob, Oil on Canvas, 16″x20″

Parkway Cosmos, Oil on Canvas, 16″x12″

Jersey Breakers, Seaside, Oil on Canvas, 24″x18″

Editor’s Note: Tom Wacaster is a resident of Clark. His work took first place in the 2016 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit and second place in the state-wide seniors competition.