Tom Searles is a Fine Artist based in London and the Cotswolds. After completing his bachelor's degree in Illustration at the Anglia Ruskin University in 2012, Tom embarked on his freelance portraiture career, showcasing his fine art skills in galleries internationally. Parallel to this, Tom co-founded his own textile print company, comfortably straddling the visual disciplines of illustration and graphic design as Art Director and Creative Producer.
Inspired by the imaginative work of both his paternal grandfather and father, Tom began drawing from an early age, recreating imagery from his favourite classic comic books harnessing his own unique style. For Tom, sports played an integral role in shaping his upbringing. From a young age, he immersed himself in the world of rugby and cricket, dedicating countless hours to training and honing his skills in both disciplines. His passion and talent were evident as he excelled in these sports, earning a place in the youth representative teams. Through the highs and lows of his sporting journey, Tom learned invaluable life lessons, making sport an inseparable part of his identity and character, reflected in his work.
Specialising in acrylic and charcoal, Tom now offers bespoke, custom portrait commissions capturing the subject’s characteristics in an abstract light and with intriguing detail. Heavily influenced by his background in sport, and using varied brushstrokes and tools, his powerfully cinematic, painterly works capture the continuous movement of any scene or subject. Continually pushing his technique further, Tom draws upon the golden age of music and cinema with gentle influences of subdued, muted palettes to create his striking compositions.
CV
COMMISSIONS
Ella and the Snowflake
Cover & Book Illustrator
2023
Before the Camera
2 Album Cover Artist Portraits
2019
HP® Printers Commission
4 Icon Portraits For HP® Printers Campaign
2018/2019
Ardenti Jewellery
4 Portraits For Ardenti Christmas Campaign
2016
Stowmarket Honours Board
7 Portraits For Honours Campaign
2016
EXHIBITIONS
Signet Contemporary Art Chelsea
Autumn Exhibition
2024
International Art Fair
Artspace, Gibralter
2024
AQUA7 Showcase
25 Artworks and Live Portrait Sketches in Aqua7 Bar, Dalston Junction, London
2018
Brick Lane
2 Week Exhibition In Brick Lane, London
2018
Colorada Art Gallery
2 Week Exhibition In Lisbon, Portugal
2017
Art In Mind
2 Week Exhibition In Brick Lane, London
2017
Mode
Exhibition In Notting Hill, London
2016
EDUCATION & BACKGROUND
Tom Searles Fine Art Ltd.
Founder and Director
2016-2024
Mongrelcroc Clothing Ltd.
Co-Founder and Art Director
2010-2016
Anglia Ruskin Cambridge School of Art
BA (Hons) Illustration
2009-2012










