About

 

Tobin Sprout is an American artist, musician and children’s book creator. As a musician, he was well known as a founding member of the indie rock band Guided by Voices before going out on his own, releasing his first solo album, Carnival Boy, in 1996. As an artist, Tobin is famous for his photo-realism large format paintings, especially the “Superchrome” series, although he does paint in other styles as well. His children’s book, Elliott, about a magician’s rabbit who finds the courage to leave his top hat, sold out of its first print run, and will soon be available on Kindle.

Tobin was born in 1955 in Dayton, Ohio and studied graphic design and illustration at Ohio University. In addition to his fine art, you may have seen his work for a host of corporate clients including AT&T, Budweiser, the Ford Motor Company, Universal Theme Parks, and more. His fine art has appeared in several juried shows, art journals and gallery shows, including one-man shows in Leland Michigan and Chicago.

As a musician, Tobin has inspired a loyal fan base for his pop songs. He has released 7 solo albums, and toured to support them. He has also performed in several bands, including recent shows with Guided by Voices. Tobin records many of his songs at his home studio, Moonflower Studios.

Tobin has written and illustrated two books, Elliott (2009) and Tinky Puts His Little Moon To Bed (2013) He also created and sold prints from the Elliott illustrations.

Tobin lives in Leland, Michigan with his artist wife, Laura. They have two grown kids, Turner and Martha.

 

Solo Artist Discography:

 Albums

• 1996 – Carnival Boy
• 1997 - Moonflower Plastic
• 1999 - Let's Welcome the Circus People
• 2003 - Lost Planets & Phantom Voices
• 2005 - Live at the Horseshoe Tavern
• 2010 – The Bluebirds Of Happiness Tried To Land on My Shoulder
• 2017 – The Universe & Me
• 2020 – Empty Horses

Singles and Eps

• 1996 – Popstram
• 1998 – Wax Nails
• 2001 – Let Go My Beautiful Balloon
• 2002 – Sentimental Stations
• 2010 – Antietam
• 2016- Just One Kid (Takes On The World)
• 2021- Supersonic Chairman b/w We Should Be Wishing  w/ Booklet