the Artist

photo of artist Marilyn Kinsella
Marilyn Kinsella (AFCA) paints out of her studio in Canmore, Alberta. Working primarily in watercolour, she also paints in acrylics, oils and makes silk-screen prints.

Surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Marilyn strives to capture their beauty and magnificence in her own unique style. The ever-changing mountain light and seasons challenge her ability and imagination. The variety of perspectives that mountains present increasingly intrigues her. Painting the views from the valley floor looking up at the dominant peaks; or a mid-point view from an elevated ridge or alpine meadow; or a birds-eye view which more closely details the mountain geology and stratigraphy are her focus.

Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Marilyn was inspired by her artist mother to pursue a similar career. Artistic studies led her to her first career in commercial art, and in the busy child rearing years she painted mainly in oils.

A desire to break out of the more structured commercial art led to further studies and exploration through painting workshops and affiliations with artistic organizations. Moving west to Alberta in 1979 Marilyn fell in love with the mountains and became dedicated to capturing their beauty in watercolours. Now an established mountain artist, her wide selection of art prints and originals have become widely popular with visitors as well as local Albertans.

In 1984 Marilyn was granted A.F.C.A. status (a recognition of excellence) by the Federation of Canadian Artists. Marilyn has also gained a reputation as an excellent watercolour teacher to Seniors, Elderhostel, and Continuing Education classes.

Marilyn's artwork can be found in selected galleries and shops in the mountain resort areas of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Kananaskis, and throughout Alberta. Her work is also displayed in numerous corporate and private collections around the world, and is often used as corporate gifts by companies wishing to give a timeless memento.

Marilyn's growing popularity means she is becoming a world famous watercolour artist and ships her watercolour prints and originals to almost all corners of the world. Hong Kong, Great Britain, Eastern Europe, Japan, Australia and of course our neighbours, the United States, are a few of the places she has sent her paintings.

Marilyn has recently expanded her work from prints, unlimited and limited in number, and the remarqué that is her trademark, to publishing a guest book/journal that features a handmade paper cover with every page having a breathtaking print of the mountains that make the Canadian Rockies a travel destination. These new art books make wonderful birthday gifts, wedding gifts and house warming gifts.

All of Marilyn's painting is done on site at the gallery/studio in Canmore. If you're in the area come and visit the art gallery - we offer truly unique gift ideas and helpful, friendly service. Quite often you'll find Marilyn in the studio painting her watercolour remarqués or her latest masterpiece.