Marion Boddy-Evans is an artist and writer now living on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, an infinitely inspiring part of the world for landscape painting. Her love of travel provides opportunities to paint new places and people, to visit galleries and exhibitions, and to take plenty of reference photos. She has been the About.com Guide to Painting since 2002.
Marion is represented by Skyeworks in Portree, where her craftwork is also sold and where she teaches occasional art and quilting workshops. She has a website for her paintings, and a blog about what's going on in her Mad Cat Art Studio, where there is usually at least one cat watching what's going on (video of Marion painting). She has published a book of her seascape paintings inspired by the view from her studio: Moods of the Minch.
You can follow Marion on Facebook, Twitter (@painting), YouTube, Flickr, and Google+,
Experience:
Marion's painting knowledge comes from a mixture of formal tuition, studio experience, workshops, self-guided personal study (theoretical and practical), and plenty of discussion with other artists (not least on the About.com Painting Forum). She has also contributed articles to various art magazines and blogs (including Artist Daily), edited numerous non-fiction books (including how-to art titles), and co-authored two books (the best-seller 1001 Places to See Before You Die in Southern Africa, including all the art-related sections, and Picture Perfect Cape Town and the Garden Route).
Education:
Marion obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism and media studies at Rhodes University. During the decade she worked in London, she attended evening classes on everything from perspective drawing to book design, self-portraiture painting to life sculpture. She regularly supplements her studio painting with art workshops believing it's a fabulous way to refresh creativity as well as try new approaches or techniques.
From Marion Boddy-Evans:
"My favorite medium is acrylics as it has a great tactile feel to it and dries so fast. Through the Painting section of About.com I combine my passion for painting with my love for writing, and through the Painting Forum I get to meet and talk to artists from across the world."
Some Comments from Readers:
- "I love your About Painting newsletters. The articles and painting tips are interesting, applicable, stimulating and fun." Barbara M
- "I am a new aspiring artist starting at the age of 61. Your varied supply of topics is just what I need." Stuart
- "I'm a much better painter because of this site!" Jeff
- "I enjoy your newsletter more than my art league painting classes." Robin G
- "I love this website. I've learned a tremendous amount and it feels as if there is a mentor looking over my shoulder. Thank you so much." Janie B
Media: Email Marion if you've a book and or art product you'd like reviewed, for comments or interviews.
Article Reprints: If you would like to use one of my articles or photos on your blog or website, you should request reprint permission.
Ecommerce Disclosure: As is common in the publishing industry, I sometimes have free access to products or services to review. I also participate in third-party affiliate programs with companies such as Blick and BooksaMillion, and are compensated for links to ecommerce partners such as PriceGrabber. See About.com's Ethics Policy.