Whether working in oil, pastel, or encaustic, Robin Thornhill’s atmospheric paintings evoke a sense of stability and peace. Strongly influenced by John Singer Sargent, the tactile quality of her work makes the timeless beauty of the New England landscape substantially present. “There is so much chaos in the world that people forget to look for beauty and goodness,” says Robin. “I want to remind them it’s here – as tangible as the materials I use and as real as I am.” The sublime becomes grounded by the presence of her hand in the work. Best known for her landscapes, Robin’s recent experiments with abstraction are also receiving recognition. In this work, her authorship becomes even more apparent as she utilizes mixed media to develop her exploration of the theme of time.
Robin is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a juried member of Oil Painters of America and The National Assc. of Women Artists, a member of the Newburyport Art Association, the Experimental Art Group of Rockport, Massachusetts, and the Pastel Society of Colorado.
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Whether working in oil, pastel, or encaustic, Robin Thornhill’s atmospheric paintings evoke a sense of stability and peace. Strongly influenced by John Singer Sargent, the tactile quality of her work makes the timeless beauty of the New England landscape substantially present. “There is so much chaos in the world that people forget to look for beauty and goodness,” says Robin. “I want to remind them it’s here – as tangible as the materials I use and as real as I am.” The sublime becomes grounded by the presence of her hand in the work. Best known for her landscapes, Robin’s recent experiments with abstraction are also receiving recognition. In this work, her authorship becomes even more apparent as she utilizes mixed media to develop her exploration of the theme of time.
Robin is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a juried member of Oil Painters of America and The National Assc. of Women Artists, a member of the Newburyport Art Association, the Experimental Art Group of Rockport, Massachusetts, and the Pastel Society of Colorado.
“I love the same things you do about New England. I just reflect on them in a different light.”
As a lifelong resident of New England I understand the visual and spiritual beauty of this place we call home. I feel connected to the varied landscapes from the ocean edge to inland forests and waterways. Our beautiful environments are so valuable to protect and appreciate to provide the same memorable experiences for our children and grandchildren. I’d love for them have the same sense of awe I have experienced as they treasure the landscape in their own way.
My art-making process results in a semi abstract approach to developing a painting. I take notes by sketching both on-site and in my studio, taking photos, and by simply looking in order to collect images and feelings about particular places or relationships. I then develop these by working in sketchbooks to cull the most important aspects and recombine them into designs that speak to me and hopefully to my followers and fans as well.
I intentionally work in a different/unexpected manner to develop a fresh way of presenting commonly seen views and situations–interpreting them through my personal filter of color, line, and design–to create something new that resonates with viewers. I hope to reflect a unique idea about the things that capture my attention.
I admire many historic and contemporary painters, craftsmen, and styles including Fairfield Porter, Andrew Wyeth, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, Tomie DiPaola, Ludwig Bemelmans, Henry Moore sculptures, Inuit sculptures, Aboriginal art, and current artists Paul Resika, Eric Aho, Danny McCaw, Wolf Khan, Emily Mason, Nicholas Wilton and many more. Each has influenced my work in a way that can be difficult to define but I remember being intensely influenced by their work while trying to find my own voice.
Artists of New England
Whether working in oil, pastel, or encaustic, Robin Thornhill’s atmospheric paintings evoke a sense of stability and peace. Strongly influenced by John Singer Sargent, the tactile quality of her work makes the timeless beauty of the New England landscape substantially present. “There is so much chaos in the world that people forget to look for beauty and goodness,” says Robin. “I want to remind them it’s here – as tangible as the materials I use and as real as I am.” The sublime becomes grounded by the presence of her hand in the work. Best known for her landscapes, Robin’s recent experiments with abstraction are also receiving recognition. In this work, her authorship becomes even more apparent as she utilizes mixed media to develop her exploration of the theme of time.
Robin is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a juried member of Oil Painters of America and The National Assc. of Women Artists, a member of the Newburyport Art Association, the Experimental Art Group of Rockport, Massachusetts, and the Pastel Society of Colorado.
