Michael Magrin

Towards Stillness

2024

Born in Rochester, NY, in 1978, Michael Magrin’s journey into art began with childhood visits to the Memorial Art Gallery, where he first discovered the transformative power of visual storytelling. Those early experiences planted the seeds of a lifelong fascination with how art can shape emotion, memory, and perspective. His academic path reflects this dual passion for creativity and scientific precision: he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biological Pre‑Medical Illustration from Iowa State University, followed by a master’s in Secondary Science Education from the University of Rochester. This blend of artistic training and scientific observation continues to inform his work today. In 2001, Michael relocated to Colorado, a move that profoundly shifted his artistic focus toward the sweeping drama of the western landscape. His oil paintings—especially celebrated for their expressive, ever‑changing skies—capture a sense of nostalgia, serenity, and spaciousness. Favoring bold shapes, simplified forms, and a contemporary square format, he explores the language of the land through color, composition, and value rather than intricate detail. This distinctive approach reflects his belief that art can communicate complex emotional narratives, inviting viewers to slow down, breathe, and connect with the quiet poetry of place.