Both Sides of the Business

By Robin Thornhill

Creating has always been a part of who I am. One of my earliest memories is opening a brand-new box of 64 Crayola crayons—complete with the tiny built-in sharpener—and marveling at the discovery that yellow-orange was not the same as orange-yellow. That subtle distinction felt magical to me. It was my first realization that color held endless possibilities.

Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of mediums: charcoal, graphite, oil paints, pastels, encaustic, gouache, and acrylics. Oils became a steady companion, but pastels, in particular, captured my heart. There is something immediate and tactile about them—the way pigment rests on the surface, vibrant and alive—that continues to challenge and inspire me.

Born and raised in New England, I feel incredibly fortunate to live close to both the mountains and the seacoast. Much of my inspiration comes from these landscapes. I am especially mesmerized by the salt marshes—their intricate patterns, subtle color shifts, and ever-changing light. The skies here never fail to leave me in awe. I often find myself standing still, simply absorbing the moment. Through my art, I hope to share that sense of wonder and to show how deeply nature can calm and restore us, both mentally and physically. My goal is to create work that brings peace and tranquility, transporting viewers to a time and place that left a lasting impression on me.

Teaching pastel painting has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Guiding other artists as they learn the medium continually pushes me to grow. It encourages me to experiment with new materials and techniques I might not have tried otherwise. My classes are not just about instruction—they are about shared discovery. Watching students gain confidence and find their own artistic voices brings me immense joy.

For 18 years, I was a stay-at-home mom and wife, painting part-time whenever I could. After nearly two decades of balancing family life with my creative practice, I felt ready to take a leap. In 2024, with the unwavering support of my husband and children, I opened Thornhill Art Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I envisioned it as a space not only to show my own work but also to showcase the talent of local artists.

Owning a gallery has been exciting, terrifying, exhausting, invigorating—and everything in between. Learning the business side of art has stretched me in ways I never anticipated. There’s nothing quite like placing a red dot beside a painting and sharing that success with one of my artists. Along the way, I’ve formed meaningful friendships with both artists and collectors.

The gallery demands much of my time, so I’m not yet painting full-time. But that remains my hope for the future. For now, I’m grateful to stand on both sides of the business—creator and curator—continuing to learn, grow, and share the beauty that first captivated me with a simple box of crayons.