Artist Statement

Art is a thread that has run through my life since I was very young. Now, since becoming a full-time artist, I recognize that creating art is essential to me and is a vital part of who I am. Using vivid colors, texture and light, I strive to reflect overlooked objects and little things in day-to-day life in my vibrant paintings. I hope they will instill an appreciation for the beauty found in simple things that surround us in our everyday lives.

I paint in a representational style, but I like to complicate my paintings with the distortions of reflections, refractions in glass and silver, and shadows that move in and out. I try to evoke a feeling of intimacy in the viewer and draw him or her into the intricacies of the painting to see and experience a new perspective or thought about the subject.

My medium of choice is watercolor. I love the way it flows, its luminosity, translucence and surprises, and the way it allows me to capture the special qualities of light.

About the Artist

Marsha Chandler is a watercolorist who is realizing her childhood dream of being a professional artist. Her art is a reflection of who she is and how she got here. Having always been a country girl, she appreciates all things great and small in life. In her Atlanta studio she creates unique still lifes that are bold, vibrant and dramatic and express her love of details and reflective objects. She finds subjects for her still life paintings in common objects that surround her daily—even a trip to the farmer's market for fruits and vegetables inspires her to paint.

Since becoming a full-time artist, Marsha has studied extensively and taken workshops with regionally and nationally known artists such as Mel Stabin, Christopher Schink, Sue Archer and Judy Morris, among others. Her paintings have been accepted into numerous regional and nationals juried exhibits and have garnered a number of awards. In addition, she has had several solo shows.

Marsha is an Advanced Merit Member of the Atlanta Artists Center, Signature Member of Watercolor Society of Alabama, Juried Member of Women Painters of the Southeast, Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and Member of Southern Watercolor Society. Currently she serves on the board of Georgia Watercolor Society and is a former board member of the Atlanta Artists Center. Marsha's original works have been selected by Xanadu Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ to be in their virtual extension, Xanadu Studios. Her works can be seen and collected at: http://www.xanadugallery.com

Awards

• Honorable Mention, Atlanta Chapter of National League of America Pen Women 2012 'Reflections' Juried Exhibition, Mable House, Mableton, GA
• Recognition of Excellence Watercolor Society of Alabama 2011 Online Exhibition
• GWS Membership Award, Georgia Watercolor Society 2011 Members Exhibition
  
• 3rd Place, Georgia National Fair
  
• Award of Excellence, South Cobb Arts Alliance 74th National Juried Exhibition
• Honorable Mention, Limelight Gallery at Binders, Atlanta, GA
• Honorable Mention, Atlanta Artists Center, 'Figuratively Speaking', Atlanta, GA
• Recognition of Excellence Award, Watercolor Society of Alabama Online Exhibition
• Honorable Mention – Atlanta Artists Center – ‘Winners Circle’, Atlanta, GA
• Georgia Artists for the Arts Merit Award, Georgia National Fair
• Jack and Gloria Ragland Merit Award, Georgia National Fair
• Honorable Mention – Atlanta Artists Center – ‘Autumn Hues’, Atlanta, GA
• Purchase Award Georgia National Fair
• Honorable Mention - Georgia Watercolor Society Member Exhibition, Jonesboro, GA
• Honorable Mention - Atlanta Artists Center - 'Beyond Perception', Atlanta, GA