Bjorn is an accomplished and enthusiastic art instructor. He currently teaches both head and figure painting in the acclaimed art program at BYU Idaho. He's received numerous awards for his artistic excellence. in 2006, Thorkelson made the Top 100 in the Arts for the Parks Show, in 2008, he was a top 12 finalist in the prestigious Raymar Art Competion and most recently he was a portrait award winner in the 2010 Oil Painter's of America National Juried Exhibition. In 2008, he invented the Accurasee Measurement System which is now helping artists around the world improve their ability to draw accurately After graduating with honors from Art Center College of Design, Thorkelson went into illustration to support his family while working toward his ultimate goal of becoming a full-time painter. Now, he grins every time he turns down an illustration job because he’s too busy painting. “I always knew what I wanted to do,” he said. “At some point, I just had to go for it and paint for myself.” His 12 years as a full-time illustrator served him well in obtaining a foundation for his artwork. “I’m passionate about what I do. I wake up every day with a new hope of creating something special.”