About Michael Magrin
A Celebrated Landscape Painter
Michael’s Bio
Michael Magrin is a celebrated landscape painter known for his unique and serene portrayal of the Western landscape.
His career features exhibitions at prestigious art shows and exhibitions. These events highlight his skillful blend of traditional techniques and modern vision.
Below, in Michael's voice, discover the journey of passion, dedication, and creativity that has defined his place in the fine art world.
My Artistic Ethos
Since moving to Colorado from New York in 2001, I have sought to capture the elements ubiquitous to the Western landscape through oil painting, with an emphasis on the sky.
Inspired by master artists like Maynard Dixon, E. Martin Hennings, and Ernest L. Blumenschein's relentless pursuit of beauty, my work is a dialogue between the past and the present. I strive to carry forward their legacy with a contemporary vision, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
I am interested in how we visually and emotionally experience the landscape. My paintings, particularly renowned for their dynamic skies, blend nostalgia with tranquility, striking a balance between emotional resonance and visual purity.
My approach is marked by a contemporary sensibility, favoring bold shapes and a square format to explore the landscape’s language through color, composition, and value. This distinctive style reflects my belief in art’s power to convey complex emotions and narratives beyond mere detail.
Michael Magrin
Bluffs West, 2024
Preliminary Field Sketch (left),
Oil on Linen (right),
Private Collection
Childhood Influences in Art
Nurturing Creativity
From my earliest memories, art has been a big part of my life, all thanks to my mom. She was the one who first introduced me and my brothers to the vibrant art scene. She would take us on regular trips to the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY during the school year. There, amid the vast collections and exhibitions, I first tasted how art could open up worlds.
Summers were no different; they were filled with art festival after art festivals. Each visit, each new piece of art, stirred something in me, a deep-seated fascination that grew over time. These weren't just outings; they were my first steps on a path I’d come to follow passionately.
Looking back, I see how these experiences shaped me, nurturing my creativity and guiding me towards my artistic endeavors.
My Family’s Unwavering Support
My family's support was instrumental in my journey into the art world. They bought me a drafting table and set aside a room in our basement specifically for me to explore my creativity. This happened around the early '90s, right when airbrush art was all the rage, and I was completely hooked. I spent endless hours there, just letting my imagination run wild.
What stands out the most is how my parents never wavered in supporting my artistic aspirations. I'm genuinely grateful for their encouragement, as it's been a significant force behind my pursuit of an art career. With their encouragement, I pursued my passion academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University and a master’s in Secondary Science Education from the University of Rochester, NY.
Early Art Creations
One of my earliest and most memorable creations was a drawing of a tiger I made back in third grade. My reference was a tiger with its mouth wide open on the cover of my trapper keeper. I loved that trapper keeper!
After pouring my efforts into it, I presented the drawing to my art teacher, not sure what to expect. The moment she chose to display it on the wall behind her desk was a turning point for me. Seeing my work up there, being appreciated and shared with others, filled me with a sense of pride and satisfaction I’d never felt before. It was one of those defining moments when I realized the joy of creating something that others could enjoy too.
Mentors Along the Path
In college, I was fortunate enough to have an incredible painting instructor, Bruce Smith, who played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic path. Bruce had a way of making each session feel personal; he dedicated one-on-one time not just to teach me the techniques but to really expand my understanding of what painting could be.
More than just applying paint to canvas, he showed me the possibilities of storytelling, emotion, and depth that could be captured. It was under his guidance that my passion for painting truly took flight, opening my eyes to the endless potential of my own creativity.
Education
2019 Jay Moore Mentorship
2001 Masters in Secondary Science Education; University of Rochester, NY
2000 Bachelors of Science; Biomedical Illustration; Iowa State University
Recent Shows and Publications
2024 Colorado Home and Gardens Show Home, Denver CO
2024 Judge, Palmer Lake Plein Air
2024 Judge, Lincoln Gallery Regional Juried Show
2024 Park Hill Arts Festival, Denver CO
2024 Coors Western Art Show and Sale, Denver, CO
2023 Broadmoor Festival of the Arts, Colorado Springs, CO
2023 Castle Rock Arts Fest, Castle Rock, CO
2023 Pearl Street Arts Festival, Boulder, CO
2023 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Cherry Creek, CO
2023 Park Hill Arts Festival, Denver, CO
2022 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Cherry Creek, CO
2022 Denver Art Showcase
2022 Des Moines Art Festival, Des Moines, Iowa
2022 “The Heaven’s Declare” Exhibition, Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, Texas, April - July
2022 Southwest Art Magazine - April Issue
2021 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Cherry Creek, Colorado
2021 Colorado Governor's Art Show, Loveland Art Museum
2020 Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils, The Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX
2020 New Western Talent Exhibition
2020 National Sunrise Sunset Show, The Rice Gallery, Kansas City, KS
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Finding My Voice
Every artist’s journey is marked with challenges; mine was no exception. Early on, one of the biggest hurdles I encountered was discovering my own unique voice amidst the vast sea of artistic expression.
It was about more than just mastering the brush; it was about figuring out the story I wanted to tell through my art. The beautiful expanse of the western skies, the profound spiritual connection they evoke, the wistful sense of nostalgia, and the tranquil peace they offer — these were the themes I felt drawn to explore.
Wrestling with these concepts and how to convey them visually was daunting but immensely rewarding.
Overcoming this challenge didn’t just help me find my voice; it shaped me into the artist I am today. It taught me the importance of having something meaningful to say and the power of art to communicate that message.
A Defining Moment
The real turning point came when I decided to put my work out there, sharing a series of pieces at a local art festival. For me, the moment had the usual mix of excitement and nerves, but it turned into something truly transformative. To my surprise, every piece I exhibited was sold. It was an incredible affirmation, not just of the work itself but of the possibility of making a life in art.
That experience was a clear signal, a moment of validation that propelled me to commit fully to my path as a professional artist.
It wasn't just about the sales; it was the realization that others connected with my vision and found something in my work that spoke to them. This was the encouragement I needed to dedicate myself to art, not just as a passion, but as a career.
Michael Magrin
Moonrise Over the South Platte, 2023
Preliminary Field Sketch (left),
Oil on Linen (right),
Private Collection
Recognition
Connect, Share, and Inspire
My artistic journey has been filled with opportunities to share my work with broader audiences through events like the Coors Western Art Show in Denver and exhibitions across the country. Each exhibition, from the Cherry Creek Arts Festival to the "The Heavens Declare” Exhibition at the Museum of Western Art, has been a moment to connect, share, and inspire.
Publications like Southwest Art Magazine and lifestyle magazine features have showcased my art and allowed me to share my vision and passion with others.
These recognitions are not just milestones but affirmations of the connection my work has with those who experience it.
My Mission and Values
At the core of Michael Magrin Fine Art is a commitment to creating museum-quality, authentic pieces that resonate with the contemporary collector. My mission is to craft art that becomes an heirloom, transcending time and trends. I believe in the power of art to transform spaces and lives, imbuing them with beauty and tranquility.
I invite you to explore the landscapes I've captured, find peace, and perhaps reflect on your journey.
Whether through the limited-release paintings I offer, my blog, or the plein air lessons, my hope is to connect, inspire, and enrich the lives of those who encounter my work.