Meet the Artist

Marlene was born and raised in Minnesota and has been interested in drawing and painting all of her life. One of her greatest thrills comes from creating something new and seeing it come to life. In the early 80's she took her first painting classes and later started teaching and designing her first instructional packets. She has designed well over 300 packets. In addition to her own line of pattern packets, she has published many magazine articles and has authored and co-authored numerous decorative painting books, this would not have been possible without the support of her husband of fifty years. After raising two wonderful boys, they now have the time to devote to Marlene's decorative painting.

She was a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and earned her Certified Decorative Artist award in 2004. She travel teaches all across the country at regional conventions as well as group seminars sharing her techniques and knowledge.

Marlene's favorite painting medium is acrylic. She is a DecoArt Helping Artist. Most of her recent work has been done in DecoArt Americana acrylics. Her style is unique in that she combines layers of floated color, dry brushing and stippling to create a realistic effect. Her favorite subject matter has always been flowers, but has included many birds, fish and whimsical designs.

As of late she has added pen, ink and pencil shading to her designs and finds it to be a very relaxing form of art. With this technique she has created pattern packets and authored two books; Marlene's Ink Creations and Marlene's Ink Therapy. Marlene enjoys sharing her patterns and designs so that others may create beautiful projects.