Tom Nagata grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, and developed a passion for art. He retired from teaching in 2014 and continues to follow his passion. He creates silk-screen pieces and paints original compositions using acrylics. His paintings reflect his youth in Hawaii and often include orchids and koi. You can see Tom Nagata’s art at Village Arts Framing & Gallery.
Tell us about your artwork. What inspires you?
I am always inspired by nature and God’s beautiful creations.
Tell us about your journey as an artist. What first sparked your interest?
I have been drawing from an early age. My natural curiosity sparked my interest and curiosity of nature. Both my mom and dad told me early on not to become an artist because I wouldn’t be able to earn a living.
Tell us about your art on display in the gallery. What inspired it and what mediums did you use?
I use an acrylic medium and sometimes pen and ink. Most of my paintings in the gallery are reminiscent of my life in Hawaii ... which also applies to life in Florida. I was born and raised in Honolulu and enjoy all the nature that I experienced as a child.
What is your artistic process like?
I usually start with a picture I have printed online or obtained from magazines, etc. I draw the image in pencil including foreground and background images for depth. Then I make my tracings to transfer onto canvas. Then I begin painting.
What do you like best about what you do?
I can paint now, following retirement, with a joyous heart. It makes me happy.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Following my morning walk six days a week, and following breakfast, I am upstairs in my studio where I enjoy painting until 6 p.m. when I join my wife for dinner and an evening of activities and/or TV. We very much enjoy being together, whatever we are doing.
What’s next for you and your art? (any upcoming projects, events, etc.)
We have been invited to show at the Captiva Island Art Society in 2026. We’re not sure about doing this due to the distance and traveling with the art. We lived in Southwest Florida for 45 years so we are very tempted to take them up on the offer. We will continue to paint and show in our immediate area.
