Frank Michael Koran [JRA 2026]

First name: Frank ;

Middle name: Michael ;
Last name:  Koran ;

Member: Junior resident artist member ;
Begin: 2026 ;
End:  ;

Biography:

I am drawn to the quiet, everyday moments of human life and find watercolor to be the ideal medium to capture them. Its soft, fleeting nature pairs seamlessly with these passing scenes, allowing me to hold light, express mood, and infuse each painting with a sense of nostalgia. Water is the vehicle for color, and its refusal to be fully controlled reflects the natural beauty and chaos of daily life.

I began drawing as most do, in childhood, and followed that passion into architecture before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. I decided to pursue painting as a career path and graduated with departmental honors in illustration and painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2016. I have been painting professionally since graduating, independently marketing and selling my work to make a living. My practice has grown significantly over the past decade as I have exhibited more, gained technical skills, and continuously strived to improve each year. I currently live and work in East Harlem.

I often paint en plein air in the city and beyond. Working outside brings me directly into my community. Casual chats with passersby and the literal energy of New York City have become integral to my creative process over the years. Painting outside forces a spontaneity that keeps my studio work feeling fresh and alive. There is nothing else like it, and it has since become my greatest teacher.

Website: www.fmkoran.art
Instagram: www.instagram.com/darjarri

Artworks: