Miriam Thorin

My greatest joy is to follow the guidance of my inspiration through every step of the process of creating a work of art, including the panic moments when I think all is lost, to rendering the gloriously satisfying final details. If, in looking at my work, the viewer is moved to hold his or her thoughts for even a few seconds and touch the feeling I tried to evoke, I feel gratified.

My education in art was comprised of my artistic mother's tutoring in the drawing of mainly portraits when I was very young, and my all-absorbing passion for studying the works of the old masters. Over the years I have attended numerous classes and workshops with successful artists whose work I admire, and I am most inspired by the works of the Tonalists and the Impressionists, as well as the beautiful figurative renditions of the Pre-Raphaelites, but in everyday life I am inspired continuously by the light patterns falling on the faces of the people around me and on tree trunks and rocks.

Through my association with several art clubs in the San Fernando Valley area I have received frequent awards at collective art shows, and secured several portrait commissions.

My art is more or less realistic according to what moves me about the subject, and the medium is chosen also according to the subject and how I want to express it. Although PrismaColor pencils had been my favorite since childhood, I currently enjoy acrylics and oils.