“I like to paint landscapes, seascapes and buildings in a semi-impressionistic style. My focus is on composition to take advantage of a dramatic focal point, atmosphere to show depth, natural colors, and the effect of light to draw attention. I am inspired by the outdoors, primarily California scenes, and like to include animals and people to make my paintings unique and more appealing.”
I have been painting for over 40 years, studying under several San Francisco Bay Area artists.
I graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began oil painting of California nature as a hobby during my early career years.
After a successful career in engineering, computing management, sales, network, and internet engineering, I have now retired to focus on the Fine Arts. I have been inspired by many artists and coached by professional artists including Stefan Baumann, Charles White, and Wanda Kemper.
I joined the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society in Danville, California in 2007 and am a corporate officer as Treasurer. In 2009 I co-founded the Blackhawk Gallery and and am Treasurer and exhibitor at the gallery in Danville, California.
Thomas Lemmer
August 19, 1940 – November 5, 2022
Thomas George Lemmer, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Walnut Creek, California after a battle with cancer and subsequent health complications.
Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 19, 1940 to parents Vernon and Alice Lemmer. He grew up in Wauwatosa and was a proud graduate of Marquette University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He played in the marching band, where he met his future wife Barbara Snyder. After graduation, Tom relocated to California leaving the harsh winters of Wisconsin behind. He soon reconnected with Barbara in San Francisco, and they were married on September 12, 1964. Barbara was his dedicated life partner, closest friend, and they were married for 58 years. They raised four wonderful daughters in both San Francisco and Orinda, California.
Tom had a successful career in engineering, computing management, and network sales engineering and worked for several technology companies in the Bay Area. He also had a lifelong passion for the fine arts and was an avid painter. After retirement he was able to dedicate his time to his art and painted countless landscapes of Northern California. His oil paintings fill their Orinda home, creating a private gallery of beautiful California artwork. In 2007, he joined the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society in Danville, California and in 2009 he co-founded the Blackhawk Gallery, which promoted the work of local artists in the community. Tom also loved classical music and was a season ticket holder at the San Francisco Symphony and Opera.
Tom will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and infectious laugh. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather – an anchor to his entire family. He was a passionate dog-lover, and always looked forward to his daily walks with each of his sweet dogs over the years. Tom and Barbara also enjoyed traveling especially to Europe, Hawaii and Lake Tahoe. At the end of the day, Tom would relax with a glass of red wine, and sit with his wife and dog by his side.
Tom is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters Karen Endres and husband Darrell of Scotts Valley, CA, Katie Mantle and husband Mike of Austin, TX, Sarah Orton and husband Chris of Redwood City, CA and Jennifer Luck and husband Andrew of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Natalie Endres, Nick Endres, Kari Mantle, Eric Mantle, Casey Orton, Matt Orton, Hannah Orton, Drew Luck; and his brother John Lemmer and wife Betty of Willits, CA.