The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2025 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
miriam baranov
Classical Portrait Artist miriam baranov artcolumbus Ohio 43235 United States Home Phone: 7409725106 Website: Website Website: People Portraits Website: Hire Me
Bio
Miriam Baranov | Portrait Artist
Miriam Baranov is a classically trained portrait artist based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to capturing the individuality and spirit of her subjects. Known for bringing people to life on canvas—particularly through the eyes—she blends traditional Old Master techniques with a lively, expressive approach.
With dual passions in mathematics and art, Miriam approaches her work as both artist and engineer. Her portraits are methodically crafted from start to finish—she builds and stretches her own canvases, paints with the highest quality archival materials, and offers custom framing. This meticulous process ensures each portrait is built to last for generations.
Miriam’s classical training includes intensive study in portraiture and composition at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, and classical training in drawing the human figure, portraiture, and ecorche at Golden Gate Atelier in California. She studied actuarial science and studio arts at Ohio State University and has completed apprenticeships under renowned artists including Andrew Ameral, Susan Lyon, Scott Waddell, Michael John Angel, Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Carla Crawford, and Ali Cavanaugh. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in private collections in Madrid, Canada, Russia, and California.
She has been a finalist numerous times in the ARC International Salon Competition’s portrait category, a finalist at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, and named one of the “Select 50” artists in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition.
Her work spans family and pet portraits, corporate commissions, institutional portraits, and large-scale murals. Whether working from life or photographs, Miriam is passionate about portraiture as a way to memorialize history and honor the stories of those she paints.
Education & Training:
Angel Academy of Art | Florence, Italy
Intensive Portraiture Course, Composition
Golden Gate Atelier | Oakland, California
Classical Training in Drawing Human Figure, Portraiture, and Ecorche
Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio
Actuarial Science, Studio Arts
Apprenticeships with Notable Artists:
Susan Lyon | Michael John Angel | Margaret Carter Baumgaertner | Andrew Ameral | Carla Crawford | Scott Waddell | Ali Cavanaugh
Professional Background:
Former Data Engineer
Memberships:
Portrait Society of America | California Art Club | Salmagundi Art Club
Artist Statement
I am a portrait artist driven by two passions: mathematics and art. My background as a data engineer informs my artistic process—I approach each portrait as both a creative vision and an engineered project, methodically built from conception to completion.
I love to draw from life. When you work with a live model, you build a connection—hopefully become friends through the process—and really get to know each other while talking about life. When you spend hours drawing that person, the drawing becomes a time-lapse, moments captured that you’ve spent with them. The drawing constantly evolves. There are days that a model comes in and you can see they are glowing; other days they might be moody—you can see that in their face, posture, the way they hold their hands, even when they hold the same pose. As an artist, you choose which moments to put into your drawings. You compile the moments till you capture their essence. This is why I do what I do.
Classically trained at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, where I studied intensive portraiture and composition, and at Golden Gate Atelier in California, where I trained in drawing the human figure, portraiture, and ecorche, I blend Old Master techniques with a lively, expressive approach. Through apprenticeships with master painters including Andrew Ameral, Susan Lyon, and Scott Waddell, I’ve developed a deep foundation in traditional methods while maintaining a contemporary voice.
Whether working from life or photographs, I am passionate about portraiture as a way to memorialize history and honor the stories of those I paint. I’m particularly known for bringing people to life through the eyes—the window to the soul.
Every portrait I create is crafted with the highest standards: I build and stretch my own canvases, work exclusively with museum-quality archival materials, and offer custom framing. This meticulous process ensures each piece becomes a lasting heirloom that will endure for generations.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, I create commissioned portraits for families, corporations, and institutions, as well as artwork for gallery exhibitions. My work has been exhibited internationally and is held in private collections in Madrid, Canada, Russia, and California.
Through my work, I strive to create timeless portraits that celebrate individuality, preserve legacies, and honor the profound connections between people.
Portfolio
Click on image or link to see full portfolio
