Thomas H. Willis

Thomas H. Willis (1850-1925) was an American painter who combined marine art, folk art, and needlework in his portraits of American and European sailing ships, steamers, pilot boats and yachts. Willis was apparently born in Connecticut, and lived and worked in New York City for a manufacturer of embroidery thread. His works feature oil painted backgrounds, with vessels constructed of silk, velvet, and embroidery floss.

The Mabel-Ray by Thomas H. Willis, American, c. 1890–1895, oil on canvas with velvet applique and cord embroidery.

The Jesse Carll pilot-boat, by Thomas H. Willis; silk and paint on canvas.