Michael Torlen

During my undergraduate studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art (the Academy accepted a few undergraduate in those years), I returned to San Diego for the summer and took my portfolio to Harold Gregor, an artist-teacher with a newly issued studio PhD from Ohio State University. Gregor looked over my work. As we discussed it, he noted structures, relationships, and clichés of which I had been completely unaware. I could not see what he was seeing, until he pointed them out. I was fascinated. I had never heard anyone articulate so clearly what they were seeing in art, and why. The language he used was clear and logical, based on perceptual, verifiable experience. It spoke of a coherent pedagogy. This was what I’d been seeking. I went on to study with Harold's teacher, Hoyt Sherman, and have continued the legacy.

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Michael Torlen, Malestrom (from Sanger Fra Mor)

Watercolor & Gouache, 19 x 22 1/2 inches, 2010, NFS

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Website

michaeltorlen.com

Instagram

@michaeltorlen