Tony is a native of Greensboro, NC. In 2006 he left a construction career to give full attention to his passion for art which he has never regretted. The lure of the majestic Smokey Mountains, rural farm lands, and eastern coastal regions of his home state called to him as it had many other artists of the area. One of the greatest highlights of his experience there was when the NC Bar Association selected him to paint a portrait of Andrew Jackson for the city's bicentennial celebration. This painting hangs in the Guilford County courthouse where Jackson was actually sworn into the practice of law. He has since received several prestigious commissions for clients including US tennis professional John Isner.

Forrest and his wife Martha now enjoy living in Alexandria, LA where they are strongly involved in the art community. Tony paints and teaches oil classes from his studio at the River Oaks Square Art Center where he is a resident artist. His art hangs throughout the US and can be purchased in galleries, via his website, or directly from his studio at River Oaks.