Next, Tom studied oil painting with a local artist. As soon as he began to work with oil paints he knew that this was the art medium for him. He wanted to share his enthusiasm for this medium with everyone, and was longing for a way to capture the vibrant colors he saw in the world around him.

Now that he had found a medium by which he could express himself he searched for teachers that specialized in oil painting. He learned some of the techniques necessary in painting landscapes and portraits. Then Tom heard about Bill Alexander and how he fulfilled other's desires and dreams to become both artists and teachers. Bill had an electric personality that inspired Tom to go out and teach, teach, teach.

Tom taught wherever he could change lives with his oil painting technique. Initially, he taught at people’s homes and in retail stores. Sixteen years ago he and his wife, Lynda, opened their own studio in San Ramon, California. There he instructed beginning to advanced students in group settings, as well as teaching private and semi-private lessons.

A paint manufacturer began sponsoring him at trade shows, where he taught numerous artists this technique. In addition, he taught at various schools in the area as well as at the San Ramon Community Center.