 During her most trying times, Marian began painting as therapy to reduce pain. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1994, she was forced to give up a rewarding career in financial planning. Painting saved her sanity. "I paint everyday", she says "I have probably painted more already than most artists do in their lifetime."
By some she is considered a "blossoming artist", but her success at charity auctions and sales is rapidly increasing the value of her works of art. The three ribbons from the Saskatoon Prairieland Exhibition Fine Arts Competitions in the last three years have given her widespread exposure and recognition. She considers herself very fortunate. The first encouraging moment for her was when the Lakeland Gallery at Christopher Lake, in Saskatchewan, CANADA, near Waskesiu Lake, accepted her first framed works of art. "I participated in some of my first watercolour workshops there and it is such an honor to be exhibiting there on a continual basis. I have a special place in my heart for that gallery and I will always be grateful to the owners who are great supporters of Saskatchewan Art." 
In the fall of 2001, Marian was accepted as one of five exhibitors at a new gallery opened in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. "The owner of the gallery was my very first instructor" she muses "how exciting is that? I had to give it up due to the physical overload."
In the summer of 2002 Marian began her "Coffee House Project" depicting favorite coffee spots in Saskatoon, Sask. All paintings have been sold but Marian has been taking orders ever since the project began. She is on her 5th painting of City Perk and still taking orders. She has added to the project, copies of paintings of funky mugs mounted to a plaque, which can be purchased at Strongfields on 2nd Ave. in Saskatoon. My children all do coffee houses so it was a natural progression for me to concentrate on depicting "the period of time when young and old did coffee". I find people make fond memories at coffee houses, visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee or light lunch. I want to bring some of that warmth into people's home, even if its only a mug plaque that helps them recall those pleasant moments. Any suggestions of favorite coffee houses in and around Saskatchewan? Call Marian. A whole new set of paintings of more "coffee houses" is expected to be completed by November, 2003. Get YOUR favorite coffee house painted. Another venue has been added in early January 2003, Strongfields Coffee on 2nd Avenue in Saskatoon. Painting is Marian's life. Not only has it been her daily therapy for pain control, but now she says "I paint because it has become my passion. I got a website to reduce the physical stress caused by my participating in too many shows at a time. The web has opened up a whole new world for me. It is very exciting. I welcome yourcomments." Her passion for painting daily allows her to play with color everyday and she has developed a palette that fits into today's decor. "I love painting for a particular surrounding," she grins "I know that's not normal for a true artist but if you want your art to match your couch...I'm in!! Just give me a cushion and I'll paint you a picture. Thank-You!! Thank you for browsing. Come again. For residents in and around Saskatoon, take the time to view the art periodically exhibited year round at STRONGFIELDS on 2nd Avenue in Saskatoon, where since January 2003, she has been accepted as Sole Exhibitor. Come back often. I appreciate hearing from you! vmbuettner@sasktel.net. |