Thomas Kero - Artist

This commissioned piece is from a photo, taken from the client's home, on Bellaluna Island, near Bella Bella. My idea was to give the image a structural form, by dividing it roughly into halves vertically, and thirds, horizontally, with something different happening in each segment. I also wanted to contrast the lushness of the sunset colours, with the feeling of mystery that inhabits the oncoming darkness.


Oil on Canvas
24"x36"

#200728

This image was created as a commission in celebration of the second new Big House built in the Heilstsuk territory in over 100 years. The first was at Keoye. This construction is a significant achievement, as it is the cultural focal point for the region.
Oil on Canvas
24"x32"

#2019121

This is the Big House at Koeye, BC. One of the most genuinely idyllic spots I have been. White sand, big trees, the odd grizzly...
This piece was commissioned.

Oil on Canvas

24"x36"

year 2017

After three days of rain, the clouds clear, and the the sun turns the sky pink, before disappearing.


Oil on Canvas

12"x16"


#1614

Little Islands, attached to land at low tide. San Joseph Bay, Vancouver Island.


Oil on Canvas,
12"x16"


#1613

Late fall, most of the leaves have fallen off the alder trees; weak sun makes a brief appearance and lights the beach behind.

Oil on Canvas
12"x16"
1101

Early one morning, fishing by Idol Point, off Seaforth; low cloud over the mountains.


Oil on Canvas
18"X24"

#20160601

Port John Harbour. A small inlet off Fisher Channel. Ancient fish weirs, many large ochre petroglyphs of indeterminate age (if you know where to look) Early morning sun and mist.


Oil on Canvas
16"x 20"

#1503

Kvaii Camp. White sand, clear water, resident grizzlies, primeval forest. Cedar big house on the beach.


Oil on Canvas

12"x16"
year 2014

Herring weather: the herring season in Bella Bella is a time of crazy change. Warm and sunny in the morning--snow in the afternoon, hail anytime. This is a painting of the old Clover Leaf cannery on Denny Island. I made this while the Heiltsuk were protesting the opening of the herring fishery.
Oil on Canvas

9"x12"

1501

In Bella Bella, we face east. The sun sets to our backs, lighting the islands across the water. When it is overcast, the sun breaks under the cloud, turning the sky lavender.



Oil on Canvas

9" x 12"

In the early fall, it seems always to be foggy in the morning. When the sun filters through the mist, it backlights the trees. On a foggy morning in the fall. I was watching this eagle just out our window.



14" x 18"

Oil on Canvas

When fine misty rain makes the air wet, the cedars are weighed down. They remind me of fingers reaching for the ground.

This is a view of some cedars near our house getting lashed by a south wester. I don't remember what time of year, but if I had to guess, I would say October or November.
Oil on canvas. 12"x16"

I've always loved the wiry, scrubby weatherbeaten trees you can find on the outside coast. They remind me of bonsai trees, shaped and pruned by the offshore winds.


Oil on canvas 12"x16"



2013

Roscoe is an extraordinary place--a deep fiord, cliffs rising straight from ocean to mountain. On a cool sunny morning, the clouds hang in the high levels long after the fog burns off at water level.


Oil on canvas, 12"X16"

If you have ever seen a humpback whale up close, it is impossible describe the gentle power of these animals. This one was close enough to our small boat that we could feel the boat lift and pitch as it breached and dove.
Oil on canvas
12"x16"
2008

Early in the morning, springtime--a sailboat emerged from the fog for just a moment before diving back in. Later, it was a hot day.
Oil on canvas
18"x12"
2011

Early fall, late afternoon. The sun has set over the hill behind, leaving us in its shade. Across the water, the trees light up supernatural.

Crossing Seaforth in the pouring rain. We saw a humpback giving birth that day.