We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Magrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I can remember, 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 art scene, taking us on regular trips in the winter months to the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY. It was there, amid the vast collections and exhibitions, that I had my first taste of how art could open up worlds. Summers were no different, filled with art festival after art festival. Each visit, each new piece of art, stirred something in me, a deep-seated fascination that just 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.
However, my path to an artistic career wasn’t a straight march towards the canvas; it began first with a career in education. After completing my undergrad, I earned a master’s in secondary science education. For the last 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of being a teacher—spending two decades sparking curiosity about science in young minds, and the last three years guiding them in exploring their artistic talents through drawing and painting. This dual career has been a gift, freeing me from the financial pressures that often weigh on artists, and affording me the luxury of time. Time to experiment, to learn, and most importantly, to find my own artistic voice without haste.
Teaching has enriched my life in countless ways, not least by allowing my art to flourish on its own terms. It provided me with a stable foundation from which to explore painting, ensuring that my passion for art remains just that—a passion, untainted by the need to make it my sole livelihood. This journey has taught me patience and the value of gradual growth, both in the classroom and on the canvas. My artistic voice, now clear and resonant, is one that has matured over years of exploration and reflection, nurtured by the experiences and insights gained from teaching.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Living in Colorado and painting the landscape naturally categorizes my work within the realm of Western Art. Yet, what I create isn’t your traditional western genre; it’s a contemporary expression of our western skies. My art stands out with my use of a design-forward composition, embracing big, bold shapes within a square format that challenges the viewer’s perception. I dive into the exploration of color and its relationship with the landscape, driven by the belief that through the nuanced language of color, composition, and value, I can present the landscape in a way that resonates on an emotional level.
Recently I’m proud of having twice sold out during the Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale—a prestigious event that showcases the best in western art. This wasn’t just a milestone in my career; it was an affirmation of my artistic vision and its resonance with collectors.. I’m also incredibly proud to be represented by two esteemed galleries: the Broadmoor Gallery in Colorado Springs and Abend Gallery in Denver. I’m grateful for these partnerships who are committed to amplifying the voices of contemporary western artists like myself.
My journey to where I am today has been anything but a straight path. The most formidable challenge? Finding my own voice as an artist. Post-undergrad, I found myself unsure of what I wanted to express through my art. It was a period of searching, of trying, and ultimately, of discovery. The turning point came when I honed in on the narrative that truly captivated me: the beauty found in the relationship between the sky and the land. I became fascinated by the realization that the most breathtaking aspects of the landscape can most often be seen in the western skies. This became the cornerstone of my artistic voice.
A defining moment in my development was the mentorship I received from Jay Moore, a renowned painter whose guidance was nothing short of transformative. Jay didn’t just mentor me; he sparked a clarity of purpose and direction in my work that I had been searching for. This mentorship was my catalyst, accelerating my growth not just as an artist but as a storyteller of the landscape.. The creative journey was fraught with challenges, yes, but these hurdles were merely stepping stones that led me to where I stand today: more confident, more inspired, and profoundly grateful for the journey.
Fine art, at its core, is a skill honed over time, an expression that demands not just creativity but a resilience that’s both quiet and steadfast. I’ve learned the importance of dedicating myself to the development of my abilities so that my work speaks with the excellence and authenticity I strive for.
What I wish for the world to understand about me and my brand is this dedication to excellence and legacy. Each stroke, color choice, and composition is a testament to a relentless pursuit of art that transcends the temporary, embracing the timeless. My story is rooted in the belief that art has the power to connect us across time, capturing moments of beauty for all to experience and remember.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our time would begin with a fly-rod in hand on the gold medal waters of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon. There’s something incredibly peaceful about being knee-deep in trout stream.,
Next up, we’d venture to Lake Isabelle, a gem nestled just under an hour from Boulder. The hike to this lake is nothing short of magical, offering some of the most iconic views Colorado has to offer. It’s the perfect spot to work the legs and breathe in the mountain air.
We’d catch a Colorado Rockies game and then hit the Capitol Grill for my favorite Ribeye followed by a tour of the downtown microbreweries. Denver’s reputation for craft beer is well-earned.
I’d make sure we visit the 4th floor of the Denver Art Museum to explore their renowned collection of western art. “The Rabbit Hunt” by E. Martin Hennings is a piece that never fails to inspire me, and I’d love to share that experience.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My thoughts immediately turn to my wife, Kara. For 23 years, she has been my greatest joy. She is an immensely talented entrepreneur, photographer and mother. She is a valued leader who is gifted with the vision to see complex projects from beginning to end. Together, we’ve built not just a marriage but a partnership and we have a whole heck of a lot of fun together!
Our journey has been enriched by our two wonderful kids. They’ve brought joy, perspective, and a depth of love to our lives that fuels my creativity in ways I never imagined. My story, our story, is a testament to the beauty that unfolds when we walk this path together.
Website: https://michaelmagrin.com/
Instagram: @Magrin_Michael