Marilyn has been painting since she was 30 years old, when she took a 4 year break from elementary school teaching to stay home with her daughters. This was when she first discovered she had the ability to draw and paint. Her artwork was then put on a 30 year hiatus as she returned to teaching and raising her family. In 2005, she was encouraged to take up her artwork professionally by fellow artists. She has been painting since then.
Marilyn loves a rich palette of color and the play of light on her paintings. Her favorite subjects are depicting animals in natural surroundings; transparency of flowers; and the relaxing landscapes of Oregon, Colorado and Arizona.
Although she is self-taught, she owes great appreciation to her mentor, acrylic artist Carl Seyboldt, who saw her talent and encouraged her to begin showing it professionally in 2005. She lives with her husband in the Phoenix, AZ area and her daughters and grandchildren all live nearby.
Marilyn has been awarded Signature Scratchboard Artist (SSA) status with the International Society of Scratchboard Artists. She has won Best of Show and First Place awards at local, regional, and national shows.