A native New Englander, Mr. Folsom graduated from M.I.T. with a degree in Naval Architecture with the intent of pursuing that calling. However, his abiding interest in railroads ultimately led him into an innovative career in Transportation Planning and Economics from which he retired in 1990 to devote full time to painting.

Working in both oils and watercolor, Mr. Folsom first became seriously interested in art as a result of attending an intensive workshop in Vermont with Paul Strisik of Rockport, Mass. Although to a considerable extent self-taught, he followed up with workshops in other parts of the country under such noted artists as Frank Mason, Foster Caddell, Charles Sovek, Steve Allrich, Phillip Malicoat of  Provincetown, the late Roger Deering, later sessions with Paul Strisik and helpful critiquing from time to time from Charles DeCarlo.

Mr. Folsom has painted in many locations. His favorites include the Maine coast, Vermont and northern New Mexico, as well as his beloved Cape Cod. He has also painted in Alaska, California and Florida. With bold brush strokes, soft edges and rich but subtle color tones, Mr. Folsom depicts his favorite scenes of mountains, rocky seascapes, Cape Cod marshes and seascapes, Vermont towns, and railway scenes.