My Story

Miri Smerling

Contemporary Artist

A young woman with long brown hair smiling and posing in a narrow, colorful European street with pastel orange and yellow buildings, cobblestone pavement, and greenery hanging from above.

Hi, I’m Miri—a self-taught contemporary artist working in mixed media and the founder of Miri Artflow. I’m American-Israeli, I grew up outside of Philadelphia and currently live in Pardes Hana in Northern Israel.

Though I’ve always been a creative person, it wasn’t until 2021 that I began to explore the world of fine art more seriously. In 2024, after completing The Artist’s Way, I made a major shift—leaving behind a career in tech as a project manager to fully commit to my creative path. What began as a quiet personal practice during the pandemic grew into a meaningful art career rooted in connection, presence, and storytelling through visual form.

My work is grounded in real places I’ve visited—from parks and nature trails, to lakes and beaches, everyday beauty found during my life and travels. Many of my pieces are painted outdoors, on-site, while others are created in my studio based on personal photos and memories. I aim to reflect the feeling of being there—to slow time and create a sense of calm and mindfulness.

I primarily focus on landscapes, natural scenes, and animals, combining watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and pastels in a style that blends Impressionism with Realism. I’m drawn to the space between observation and emotion—where structure meets softness, and the external world reflects something internal.

During times of personal and national hardship, especially living in Israel during periods of war and uncertainty, art has become a powerful tool for healing. I began leaning into vibrant color and layered textures as a way to bring light into dark moments. Some of my pieces were born from this time—expressing grief, clarity, and resilience through simplicity and contrast. Others burst with color and life, offering a sense of hope, grounding, and strength.

Since founding Miri Artflow, I’ve sold original artwork and prints in Israel, Panama, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. I’ve collaborated with cafes and wellness spaces, and facilitated creative sessions that help others connect to their own sense of flow and expression.

While I’m self-taught, I’ve been fortunate to learn from Arina Albu, a respected Israeli artist and teacher whose mentorship continues to shape my practice.

Art has become my way of honoring what I see and feel—of capturing small moments of beauty, and offering them back into the world. I'm so glad you're here.

Warmly,
Miri

Outdoor art booth showcasing landscape paintings, photographs, and drawings, with a sign reading 'Miri Artflow,' various artwork samples, and informational flyers on a pink tablecloth, surrounded by greenery and other vendors.