Michelle Tholen

Born: 1974

Hometown: Los Angeles County, CA

Based in: Oakland, CA

Inspired by color, Tholen seeks to create color spaces that match a sensory effect and spectra of light within primary colors.

Self-taught Michelle Tholen learned to paint studying concepts of Rothko and Pollock at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco and New York. The artist grew up in the Northern California and resides in the Oakland hills. Educated and working as an accountant, the artist found fulfillment creating art on the side. Following her passion, “Color & Form” was the first step into the art world. She has created hundreds of works and curated a number of exhibitions through-out the bay area.

Michelle Tholen In The Studio

More About Michelle Tholen

Question Icon What inspires you?

Inspired by color, I seek to create color spaces that match a sensory effect and spectra of light within primary colors.

Question Icon Describe your creative process.

I guess the easiest way to describe what I do, is to understand a bit about me. I love organization. Inspired by restrained color and order, I’m challenged to create pop using color combination that is refined, suggesting more. Self-taught I learned to paint studying concepts of Rothko. Educated and working as an accountant, I found fulfillment creating art on the side. Color fields was my first step into the art world later moving to landscapes. Inspired by color, I seek to create color spaces that match a sensory effect and spectra of light within primary colors.

Question Icon What are 3 words that best describe your work?