Life & Work with Marin Klinger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marin Klinger.

Hi Marin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved nature, and painting has been my passion since childhood. During the pandemic, painting became a daily ritual, connecting me with my creativity and local artist community. My favorite mediums are watercolor and ink, though I also experiment with gouache and beading.

My art transformed in 2021 when I discovered plein air painting. Being outdoors is my bliss, and whether I’m hiking or camping in Colorado, I always have my sketchbook to capture the scenery. This practice of outdoor painting is meditative, helping me connect with nature and find peace.

In my Longmont studio, I draw from these experiences to create art. Recently, I’ve explored abstract landscapes en plein air. This style lets me express nature’s beauty freely, moving beyond strict realism. Whether outside or in my studio, each piece is a conversation with the environment around me.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my art, and that perfectionism has at times held me back. However, working with watercolors has taught me to embrace imperfections and the beauty of spontaneity in my work.

Watercolor, with its flowing and transparent nature, has pushed me to let go of rigid expectations and welcome the unexpected. Often I find the most captivating moments in my art come from the subtle surprises and happy accidents that watercolors often bring.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my day job, I manage remote sensing data, including data from NASA satellites. I work at the University of Colorado at Boulder, supporting research in environmental and cryosphere (snow and ice) studies.

I collaborate with experts in fields like sea ice and glaciers and have even done some exciting fieldwork with them. My love for science and landscapes began during my time as a Geology student in Oregon and my artwork often reflects the places I’ve been, the things I’ve studied, and my professional experiences.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
In the creative world, self-doubt and perfectionism can be real hurdles. I try to adopt a compassionate approach to my art, embrace imperfections, learn from mistakes, and keep a positive mindset.

This quality has not only made my artistic journey more enjoyable and playful but has also fostered my growth as an artist and a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: marinjanestudio.com
• Instagram: @marinjane