Paintings by John Thomas at Soho gallery

Contractor Mike Streaman (left) with wood restorer John Thomas and homeowner Karen Shen at Thomas's art opening

We were able to take a few hours off from choosing paint colors for the house interior to trek into Manhattan and attend the opening of John Thomas's exhibition of paintings at OK Harris gallery in Soho. Mike Streaman took time off from the construction to also attend the show.

John is masterfully refinishing our cherished, original woodwork throughout the house―from the double front doors at the top of the stoop to the bird's-eye maple and oak cabinetry on the 2nd floor to the intricate fretwork in the living room, which he told me he is dying to get his hands on.

It's been breathtaking to see the wood so gorgeously restored. John's restoration work is true artistry. (See the upcoming March issue of TOH magazine for an in-depth article about restoring old woodwork that features John.)

Now, after seeing some of his paintings today, I better understand how he is able to perform his magic with old, abused wood. His work at the gallery is subtle and beautiful with rectangular, translucent layers of color overlapping each other. They suggest a patience and sensitivity that is evident in John's restoration work. It would be wonderful to hang one of John's paintings in our new living room―maybe someday, after we recover from the renovation…