FEATURED ARTIST -  March 2008

Bruce Marion

Classically trained as a fine artist, Bruce Marion has enjoyed a productive and recognized career as a painter and illustrator, with his work showcased in international publications and honored in juried shows. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Marion began his art career at an early age, studying privately with a cadre of local artists, and sold his first piece in a juried professional show when just nine years old. He holds a BFA from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where studied under world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, and Lorser Feitelson, the father of Post-Surrealism. He has taught at the Otis Parsons Institute of Art, as well as privately.

	Textura: Rebirth
	Textura: Renaissance

Marion had his first one-man show at the Limited Edition Gallery in Beverly Hills, and has also enjoyed solo shows at Allan Jeffries Gallery in L.A., Coastal Gallery in Half Moon Bay, and Jill Thayer Gallery in Bakersfield. His work has been honored with the Judges Choice Award from the San Francisco Society of Illustrators, and also has been included in a show at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Marion's work is represented by galleries throughout California and the Southwest, and his paintings are published and distributed world-wide by Editions Limited. He lives in Chandler, Arizona with his wife and daughter, and is a runner and martial artist.

Cirque I	Cirque II

The circle as metaphor has been a presence in Marion’s paintings for many years. “It’s elemental,” he says, “Almost primal. It represents our journeys and our lessons that keep coming back around. I like the fact that no single point on a circle is more important than any other point. Every point on the path is an equally important part of the journey. Whether we think of it as a good or bad experience, it’s all helping us to our destination.”

Destinations I, II, III and IV

Expressing intricacy and depth on canvas involves creating multiple layers of images. To this end, Marion begins each piece with a very vivid and energetic palette knife composition, with thick swirls and streaks of saturated color slashed across the canvas. Marion then layers coat upon coat of sheer glazes over this base, creating a delicate balance between what is hidden and what is allowed to bleed through. “This gives it subtext. Just like in life,” says the artist, “the most interesting stuff is what’s below the surface. That’s where I want my paintings to resonate.”