Thomas H. Willis (1845-June 1, 1925) was a Danish-born American artist who combined marine art, folk art, and needlework in his portraits of American and European sailing ships, steamers, pilot boats and yachts.
[1] In 1870, Willis worked in New York City for a manufacturer of silk embroidery threadmaker.
His works featured oil painted backgrounds with vessels constructed of silk, velvet, and embroidery floss.
He received commissions from sea captains, ship companies and members of the New York Yacht Club.
His works are usually signed with a cipher consisting of the initial "T" over a larger letter "W", giving the idea of a stylized anchor.