Marisa Macklin
Marisa Macklin’s journey as an artist is a testament to perseverance, transformation, and the pursuit of joy through creative expression. Her childhood, marked by restrictions on self-exploration, created a disconnection between her and art. This lack of encouragement led to a lasting fear of trusting her creative instincts, making each visit to the studio a battle against self-doubt. Despite this internal conflict, Marisa remains devoted to painting, particularly large-scale realistic works, because, at its core, art brings her immense fulfillment.
Her path into the art world was anything but direct. Initially, Marisa pursued a career in musical theater, enrolling in the College of Santa Fe with hopes of performing on Broadway. However, after a semester, she realized she didn’t want to embody someone else’s art—she needed to create her own. Taking a risk, she switched to Studio Art, despite limited experience beyond a few summer painting camps. It was a leap of faith that set her on an unpredictable but ultimately rewarding path.
Her formal education took another unexpected turn when the College of Santa Fe permanently shut down due to financial troubles. Marisa transferred to the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she earned her BFA in Studio Arts in 2014. After graduating, she immersed herself in the gallery world, working as an assistant gallery director, manager, and art consultant for eight years. She planned countless exhibitions, managed over a hundred artists, and gained firsthand experience in the industry. However, the high-paced demands of the job left her little time to create. After years without painting, she faced an identity crisis, feeling only half alive without her artistic practice. Determined to reclaim her passion, she rented a studio space and began painting again—an act of self-preservation that would reshape her career.
Since then, Marisa has exhibited in museums and galleries, had four solo shows, won multiple awards, and sold numerous pieces to collectors. Her work is primarily acrylic-based, using Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Medium to create layers of rich color. She constantly navigates the tension between disciplined realism and playful experimentation, often working on abstract pieces alongside her primary works to maintain a sense of creative freedom.
Each year, Marisa develops a cohesive body of work around a specific theme. Past series have ranged from street fashion to impressionistic portrayals of people in vibrant attire. Her current series, Fashion, Fruit, and Fowl, merges contemporary fashion with farm life, reflecting a major shift in her surroundings. After marrying her husband, Frederick, she moved from Oakland, CA, to a secluded off-grid log home in Sonoma County, surrounded by vast forests, vineyards, and ranches. This drastic change in environment influenced her artistic direction—her paintings now feature more natural elements, evident in works like Cowgirl Chronicles and Mother Hen.
Her creative process is meticulous. Each morning, she reviews her collection of 200 reference images, selecting the one that excites her the most. She follows a strict set of artistic rules to maintain consistency in her work, from her layering techniques to her daily studio routine. However, despite her structured process, she often grapples with fear before starting a new painting. The anxiety of not painting "well enough" lingers, making the studio both a battlefield and a sanctuary.
Marisa doesn’t seek to push a specific narrative with her work; rather, she aims to create a sensory experience for her viewers. She wants people to feel an immediate and pleasurable response—an appreciation of color, form, and texture. For her, success as an artist isn’t just about recognition—it’s about using her craft for a greater purpose. Her lifelong dream is to open a ranch animal rescue, funded entirely by her artwork.
Her advice to aspiring artists is practical and direct: talent is secondary to persistence. The key to success is time and effort—how many hours an artist is willing to dedicate to their craft. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the art industry and actively seeking opportunities. Artists must advocate for themselves, whether by asking for gallery representation, applying for jobs in the field, or consistently producing new work.
Looking ahead, Marisa is working on a commissioned painting inspired by a client’s photograph from Spain. She is also preparing to exhibit with Teravarna Gallery at the LA Art Show and participate in various North Coast Artist Guild exhibitions. With her unwavering determination, her passion for artistic exploration, and her deep commitment to her craft, Marisa Macklin continues to carve out her place in the contemporary art world—one bold, vibrant painting at a time.
