June 2025

6 From Sketchbook to Spotlight She’s a self-taught watercolor artist, driven by a lifelong fas- cination with wildlife. Growing up, she must have spent hours sketching animals from different sources. She began learning to do her work during the pandemic. It quickly attracted attention. Wildlife lovers and collectors connected to her emotion-filled depictions of endangered and lesser-known species. In just a few years, she’s gone from Instagram uploads to mu- seum exhibitions and public art installations. Her Signature Style Thorman’s work stands out. She uses watercolor in a way that feels bold, not delicate. The col - ors are rich. The animals, often predators or birds of prey, are caught mid-motion or mid-stare. One of her most striking pieces, “THE HUNTRESS (Secretary - bird),” features the long-legged raptor in mid-step. It’s beauti- ful—but it also feels dangerous, mysterious, and real. You don’t just see the animal; you feel its presence. Wildlife in Watercolor: Meet Charlotte’s Own Vanessa Thorman Local Artist. Self-Taught Talent. Nationally Recognized. Charlotte is full of artistic talent, but one name you need to know in 2025 is Vanessa Thorman. Her work isn’t just art—it’s alive. Every brushstroke captures the power, elegance, and detail of wild animals. She’s not a gallery darling (yet), but she’s making waves on murals, billboards, and in national shows. If you love animals, emotion, and color, you’ll love what Thorman is creating.