Marshall Toomey

MARSHALL TOOMEY: BLACK AMERICANA

OCTOBER 19, 2024–APRIL 13, 2025

In Marshall Toomey's newest body of work, he examines the positive in everyday life; the perspectives, traditions, and routines of being without struggles.

Toomey says, "This is not a study. I live this life everyday. A few of the pieces are of me with other characters. My style is inspired by the masters; blending traditional techniques with my own style creates an enriched view of life. Telling a NEW story is my goal. Museums need this newer history for people to see that there is always more to the story."

Toomey’s mission is to make art for the masses. He says of his work, “my paintings represent moments in time. I aim for realism with incredible vitality - they feel almost alive. This is achieved by excellent mastering of light, composition, and unprecedented detail. I like to paint portraits, animals, and food (don't we all love a tasty meal?) I’ve always had a drive to be the best artist I could be, and I continue to constantly look at the masters of art in magazines and books, and study every cartoonist I see. My childhood goal was to have a successful syndicated comic strip running daily in every newspaper in the world. Although I sent hundreds of submissions to syndicates into my young adult years, I never got picked up. I have read a lot of rejection letters. I gave up on that dream when I finally bought a one way ticket to Hollywood, CA, at 24 years old, but I never gave up on dreaming altogether. I thought when I retired that I would just chill, but now I’m painting so much it’s crazy. I love it!!!!”

THE ARTIST

Marshall Toomey is an artist and animator with a 40 year career as a professional artist, including 20 years as movie animator at Disney Animation. Toomey was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He moved to Southern California in the 1970s to pursue his artistic career. He worked for Walt Disney Animation Studio for 20 years with credits including participation in the animated creation of Rafiki in “The Lion King” and Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of the Notre Dame”. He also illustrated many books, including “The Lion King” book created after the movie. A full list of film credits can be found on his  IMDb webpage.

 

SELECT IMAGES

Marshall Toomey, The Arrest of Martin Luther King, 2023. Oil on canvas, 43" x 56".

Image 5 of 6

I saw an image on TV as a child. Watching the news with my family on Sunday night, I saw Martin Luther King being arrested! I was in shock, I thought he was untouchable, that he walked on water. That image never left my mind. Of course throughout the years I find out he was arrested about 39 times. The image stayed in my mind. I thought I would paint my impression of that one arrest. The mean, hateful officers are made of stone, like gargoyles, gray and ugly. The beautiful, colourful grace of Dr. King calms the crowd. I put a glow on his face and hand as an homage to the masters. The brick wall represents the blocking of our freedom. This painting is my first attempt at a large scale painting. Also, while working on this piece I fell in love with Naples Yellow!

EXHIBITION CELEBRATION

Saturday, March 1, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm

(Members free, Visitors $15)

 

Artwork pictured at the top of the page: Marshall Toomey, The Shop, 2023. Oil on canvas, 38" x 38" (detail).

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