Art | Jaguarflower

Creation is a dialogue, not a monologue. -Michael David Mayo

Marlaina is a third-generation painter forging her own path

and living the creative process as a sacred act,

one intended to bring the viewer closer to the infinite beauty of existence.

She received her first commission at age 16, but art did not become a dedication

until her mid-20s when her life plans were derailed by sudden illness

that would last for two and a half decades.

Art was a lifeline and catharsis as she dove headfirst into professional portraiture,

goddess art, and nature with a focus on magnificent trees and windswept heavens.

In 2017, after 20 years of solo exhibitions in Pennsylvania, Virginia,

New Jersey, and New York state,

Marlaina pulled out of the traditional gallery scene, ending on a personal

high note with a solo show at the mayor's office in

Port Jervis, New York, the city where she was born.

In 2016, Marlaina experienced a life-altering physical health remission

She retreated into her studio and inner world and emerged seven years later

with 200+ paintings and no longer had interest in participating in conventional

arenas of art, craving a deeper experience.

Unlike many of today's painters, Marlaina does not use any technology

or imposter techniques (tracing projectors, photo canvases, etc.)

in her process. After working in acrylic for 25 years, she switched solely

to oils in 2011. She follows the path of the old masters-

traditional oil techniques that include walnut oil, spike and linseed,

eliminating the need for toxic thinners including turpentine.

She also works in pure pigment soft pastel,

oil pastel, and mixed media on paper.

Her canvases range from 8"x10" to 48"x60".