Thomas Blinks

A Victorian painter in London whose specialty was hunting scenes, especially with dogs and horses, Thomas Blinks exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1883 to 1910, and filled hunting scene commissions from King George V. The artist stated that he learned horse anatomy from observation at the horse auction mart Tattersalls. His painting talent was discouraged by his parents, and he spent some time apprenticed to a tailor. In 1881, he had his first exhibition, which was at the Dudley Gallery. The next year his work was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists, and from that time his reputation grew.

His specialty was catching animals in motion, such as racing horses and dogs pointing on the hunt. He worked in both watercolor and oils, and his style was highly realistic. He used a polished finish on his canvases, which gave them a formal, professional appearance.