Marilyn Simandle
(American)
Marilyn Simandle had always known that she would become
an artist. Learning form her mother, a musician and painter in her own right,
Simandle started painting watercolors at age six. Raised in the San Francisco
Bay area, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from San Jose State
University. Simandle went on to share her developed knowledge and incredible
talent by teaching art and conducting workshops throughout California and at the
Scottsdale Artists' School for the past 15 years. Originally a watercolorist,
Marilyn has committed herself in a new direction in recent years, oil painting.
Her paintings assimilate the delicate touch and planning needed in watercolor
with the boldness and finish that only oil painting can achieve.
In her paintings, Simandle tries to convey her own
personal philosophy of art. She loves to explore the complex interplay of light
and its effects on architecture and surroundings. An avid traveler and
photographer, Marilyn uses her photographs simply as the starting point, an
inspiration for her composition, she paints what she wants the subject matter to
be, engaging collectors with uplifting paintings filled with harmonious color,
depth and vitality. While striving for truth in her paintings, she does believe
that "perfection is the enemy of great art." A single brush stroke can speak
volumes in a painting. Simandle is inspired and influenced by the poetry in the
brush strokes of John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla.
Residing in the Santa Ynez Valley with her husband, Ted
Goerschner, also an artist, where she explores all her passions: painting,
gardening, playing bridge, and horseback riding. A music lover, Marilyn has a
baby grand piano that she enjoys playing while taking breaks from painting. She
and her husband travel often, bringing back magnificent subject matter for their
paintings. Marilyn recently traveled through Italy, Greece and the former
Yugoslavia. The Mediterranean light was inspiring, as was the romance of the
architecture.
Marilyn is a master Signature Member of Oil Painters of
America (OPA), a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society, Plein-Air
Painters of America (PAPA) and the California Art Club. She has numerous
articles in magazines such as Southwest Art and Art of the West. In 1996, her
first book on Watercolor painting was published by North Light and since, a
second book is available entitled "Contagious Enthusiasm". Marilyn has received
many awards in nationally juried shows, among them: the prestigious "High Winds
Medal" from the Watercolor Society in 1992 and 1993; in 1997 the Oil Painters of
American (OPA) West Coast Regional "First Place"; "People Choice Award", OPA
National Show, 1998; and the Shiryl Smithson OPA Memorial Award in 1999.
To date, she has exhibited in over 80 one-woman shows
throughout the United States. She has become internationally known and collected
by both individuals and corporations worldwide.
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