Chief among the contemporary artists who assisted or influenced his work were the late Carl G. Evers and Montague Dawson. Today, as in the past, Tom expends as much time researching his subjects as in executing his natural talent on paper or canvas. A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Tom Freeman developed his skill early when, as a teenager, he achieved national recognition for painting in an exhibition held for the International Red Cross. He also experienced the sea as a young man, sailing aboard a schooner in the North Atlantic and becoming thoroughly enamored by its many facets. During service with the Marine Corp and Army, he worked as an illustrator and developed a keen interest and eye for military subjects.
H is art has been featured in countless books and magazines.
His paintings have been reproduced in limited edition prints, posters, porcelain plaques, and plates. The paintings have hung in galleries internationally. Tom has been hanging his original paintings in the Presidential West Wing of the White House since 1986 and currently there are nine paintings on loan. Tom has had a long and successful association with the U.S. Naval Institute. In 1991 the U.S. Naval Institute Press published a book of Tom's paintings, entitled Pearl Harbor Recalled .