Meet Michelle Tholen | Michelle Tholen Fine Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Tholen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Through out college my mind set was “I need to get a real job.” So, I went to school at Cal State University East Bay, got my CPA license, became an accountant, and worked for four years. When I got home at night, I’d teach myself to paint on canvas using oils. I’d constantly go to the SF Museum of Modern Art, and I especially found inspiration in the works of Rothko. Eventually, I threw in the towel and decided to be an artist.

Educated and working as an accountant, the I found fulfillment creating art on the side when I wasn’t working. Following my passion, “Color & Form” was the first step into the art world. I left a career in public accounting when I realized that audit and tax didn’t satisfy my creative desires. I recognized my artistic talent and as a self-taught artist specialize in contemporary modern art that is driven with a passion for design and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Inspired by restrained color and order, I am challenged to create pop using color combination that is refined, suggesting more.

Self-taught I learned to paint studying concepts of Rothko. I find 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.

I recently composed a piece in the Rothko style using gold and teal, it sold within two weeks! I’m a perfectionist and constantly trying to improve and refine my work.

I left a career in public accounting when I realized that audit and tax didn’t satisfy my creative desires. I recognized my artistic talent and as a self-taught artist specialize in contemporary modern art that is driven with a passion for design and creativity.

Since 97′ Michelle Tholen has created hundreds of works, curated numerous shows, and exhibits through-out the bay area. Inspired by Turner, Rothko and Pollock, Tholen’s work is a reflection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Walking is the best way to experience San Francisco. Wear your super comfortable shoes and get ready to get a workout. Hills and hills of exploring, there is so much to see and explore by foot. My favorite neighborhoods; North Beach, Russian Hills, Park Presidio. the Mission and the Embarcadero.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I developed my artistic side pretty young. I had a drawing class, 1 of 2 of my only art classes in my entire life, in the 5th grade the second a drawing class a few years ago just for fun. One day I remember taking one of my drawings home, and my mom was so thrilled. She was so pleased with how I was doing in the class, so I kept drawing. I’d keep sketchbooks around, my constant hobby. I kept drawing because my mom admired my work and I enjoyed it. She gave me feel good about what I created. She framed my work and put it on the wall. I was inspired to continue.

Website: www.michelletholen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelletholenfineart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelletholen/