Look closely. There's an individual behind every gaze.
Award Winning Watercolor Artist
Original watercolor paintings, fine art prints, and wildlife portraiture by Vanessa Thorman.
Vanessa Magdaleno Thorman
I create highly detailed watercolor portraits that celebrate the beauty, personality, and individuality of wildlife. Something many people don’t realize about my work is that each painting begins with a real bird or animal — a creature whose eyes, posture, or expression caught my attention and I knew I had to paint them.
I use only the highest-quality professional paints on 100% cotton, cold-pressed paper, crafted for centuries by European mills. The result is a collection of original paintings that aim to capture not just the physical likeness, but the spirit and presence of each animal that inspired them.
Upcoming Events
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ART IN THE PARK (Blowing Rock, NC) - June 13, 2026, 10am-4pm
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EXHIBIT: TRANSFORMATION (The Mint Museum, Uptown Charlotte) - June 17 - August 23, 2026
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HIGHLANDS MOUNTAINTOP ARTS FESTIVAL (Highlands, NC) - June 27-28, 2026
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Awards & Recognition
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National Watercolor Society
Recipient of the 2025 ScholARTship Award from the National Watercolor Society for Belle of the Ball.
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Georgia Watercolor Society
Recipient of the 2026 Holbein Artists Materials Award which recognizes outstanding achievement in watermedia.
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First Place - National Watercolor Exhibition
Winner of the Best in Show prize at the 2024 Mark Arts National Watercolor Exhibition.
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Original Watercolor Paintings
Something many people don’t realize about my work is that each painting...
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Note Cards & Stationery
Each card is a mini work of art. Literally. Printed on thick,...
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Collectible Desk Art - Hand-Signed Mini Prints
These hand-signed mini art prints come ready to display in sleek, self-standing...
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Canvas Totes & Travel Pouches
Art you can take with you These canvas zippered pouches and totes...