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
