Marion Cloaninger
Artist bio
Marion Cloaninger is a self-taught artist with over 30 years of experience. She is best known for her colorful acrylic mixed media paintings. Her favorite instructors are Tim Ford, who taught her how to draw what she sees, and the late Vae Hamilton, who introduced her to the delights of collage.
Her process involves creating layers, applied in non-traditional ways, using acrylic paint, papers, and found collage elements. She uses the Gelli-Plate to print her papers and then collages the surface to begin a painting.
She has taught several classes and given numerous demos in collage and Gelli-Plate printing.
Her subjects range from vivid abstracts to semi-abstracts of landscapes, flowers and figures. Her approach is to explore, take risks and be open to the unexpected.
Artist Statement
Spirals, circles, abstract designs, textures and figures have always intrigued me. I use bright acrylic colors, make marks and use elements of collage to bring excitement to a work of art.
Reworking or starting fresh paintings with collage is a new approach for me. I use found or printed papers on my Gelli-Plate and then collage them on the surface with nothing particular in mind. Acrylic paint is used on top on the dried surface to promote unity and then I draw the figure. I am always drawn to painting female figures that represent confidence and strength, while being a little wonky. Flowers, objects or fascinators in their hair add a fun and soft element. My intention is to make art that brings a smile and happiness to the viewer.
Exploring mixed media and beautiful colors is comparable to indulging in good dark chocolate.
Gallery
Contact Info
MARION CLOANINGER INNOVATIVE ART
467 Greer Lane, Vilas NC 28692
cloaninger@gmail.com
www.marioncloaningerartist.com
828-297-4039
Resume
OUT OF THE BLUE member/ 4 women artists
Represented by Carlton Gallery in Foscoe, NC since 2004.
Member of and represented by Florence Art School.
Member of the Ashe Co Arts Council in West Jefferson, NC
Member of the Watauga Co Arts Council in Boone, NC
Member of the Wilkes Art Gallery Wilkesboro, NC
Member of BRAHM Blowing Rock, NC
Member of the Turchin Center Boone, NC
Member of Yadkin Arts Council, Yadkinville, NC
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:
2022 Honorable Mention Art International Online Juried Exhibit -Abstracts
2021 Second Place Best of the Blue Ridge at Ashe Co Arts Council in West Jefferson, NC.
2020 Third Place Best of the Blue Ridge at Ashe Co Arts Council in West Jefferson, NC.
2018 First Place/ Mixed Media Division 38th Northwest Artist’s Juried Exhibition at Wilkes Art Gallery
2017 Third Place PETAL Pushers exhibit at Watauga Co Arts Council Boone, NC
First Place / Mixed Media Division 37th Northwest Artist’s Juried Exhibition at Wilkes Art Gallery in Wilkesboro, NC
2016 Second Place/ Mixed Media Division Juried NAL Exhibit at Wilkes Art Gallery.
2014 Honorable Mention/ Professional Category in the WINTER ART CONTEST at Cheap Joes Art Stuff.
2012 Third Place/ Professional Category in the WINTER ART CONTEST at Cheap Joes Art Stuff.
2011 First Place/ Professional Category in the WINTER ART CONTEST at Cheap Joes Art Stuff.
CLASSES TAUGHT/ DEMOS:
Numerous classes/ demos in Background Painting; Family Portrait and Abstract Collage; use of the Gelli-Plate.
2019
Artist in Residence at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock, NC.