Born in New London, Connecticut, in 1907. Italian mother, Greek father. Searching the southwest for an art colony he arrived in Santa Fe in 1952. Tommy fell in love with Santa Fe and worked with his mentor Alfred Morang. Other artists in this Canyon Road crowd included Randall Davey, Fremont Ellis, and Gustave Baumann. Tommy painted outdoors in all kinds of weather. "I try to interpret the warmth of this great city, its ancient aspect and especially its romanticism." He was one of the most gregarious, outgoing people, he radiated warmth and happiness. Everyone stopped to talk with Tommy as he painted, and he became great friends with perfect strangers. So began his political career. He became so popular he ran for public office on the Mutual Happiness Society ticket. "Artists contribute more to civilization than politicians". In the 1970's at the height of his career he lived and painted on Canyon Road. He was careless with money, often traded his paintings for dog and cat food. He depended on a circle of friends to drive him on his errands, but mostly he walked. Eventually Tommy's dog and cat collection became a nuisance and a committee of Santa Feans was elected to buy Tommy a house with fenced yard and kennels. Tommy Macaione has been classified as a Fauvist or an impressionist. His paintings have some Van Gogh intensity, the sunlight and bright colors, the thick application of oil paint with a palette knife. He was flamboyant with flowers. Clouds seem to move and swell in the New Mexico skies he painted. The "New Mexico Monet" died at the age of 84.