Robert Thoren

Robert Thoren Biography

An avid proponent and practitioner of plein air painting, Robert Thoren has relished the opportunity to paint the Northern Virginia landscape, particularly the lush terrain of the Shenandoah Valley. Before moving to Virginia in 1993, Robert studied with teachers closely associated with the late Russian emigre impressionist Sergei Bongart, whose work was featured in a showing at the Frye Gallery in Seattle together with that of fellow emigres Nicolai Fechin and Leon Gaspard.

Like Sergei, Robert paints in a sensual, impressionistic style emphasizing vivid color and the employ of dramatic brushstrokes. His artistic goal is to suggest spontaneity while maintaining a firm mastery of drawing and painting techniques. In his many still lifes, Robert celebrates the Bongart school's focus upon color and its ability to transform everyday objects into scenes of powerful emotion.

Robert teaches  still life painting in his home studio and is an active member of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters.

Exhibitions

Byrne Gallery solo show Oct 2022

Byrne Gallery solo show, April 2021

Chasens Gallery solo show Oct 2021

Byrne Gallery two man show, Sept 2017

Gallery 65 solo show, April 2015

Mainstreet Gallery two person show, Sept 2010

Wohlfarth Gallery solo show, July 2010

Berkley Gallery group show (New England Harbors), May 2009

Berkley Gallery two person show, Sept 2007

Galerie Europa group show, June 2005

Gleedsville Art Gallery solo show 2003 and 2005

Byrne Gallery solo show 2002

Jubilee Gallery solo show 2000

Burwell-Morgan Mill semi-annual group show, 1999 to present.

Events

Sedona Plein-Air juried competition, Oct 2010

San Luis Obispo Plein-Air juried competition, Oct 2010

San Luis Obispo Plein-Air juried competition, Oct 2009

Chincoteague Plein-Air Festival, Sept 2009

8th Annual Estes Park Plein-Air juried competition, Aug 2009

Mountain Maryland Plein-Air juried competition, May 2009

Wayne Art Center Plein-Air juried competition, May 2009

Chincoteague Plein-Air Festival, Sept 2008

7th Annual Estes Park Plein-Air juried competition, Aug 2008

4th Annual Plein-Air Easton juried competition, July 2008

Chincoteague Plein-Air Festival, Sept 2007

3rd Annual Plein-Air Easton juried competition, July 2007

Awards

Top Award - Most Creative Plein-Air Painting - 8th Annual San Luis Obispo Plein-Air competition, Oct 2009

1st Place - Quick Draw - 8th Annual Estes Park Plein-Air competition, Aug 2009

Best of Show - 7th Annual Estes Park Plein-Air competition, Aug 2008

1st Place - 20th Annual Manhattan Beach Art Festival, 1985

1st Place - 15th Annual Manhattan Beach Art Festival, 1980

Best of Show - 14th Annual Manhattan Beach Art Festival, 1979