Artist Statement

The medieval garden, with its formal structure and plantings, has inspired my recent series of paintings. I find these enclosed, protected spaces peaceful and meditative. The arches or altarpiece shapes reflect a timeless, spiritual element. My own love of gardening shows up in some of the flowers and plants, adding a personal, modern touch.

The female figure is central to my work---sometimes reflective or contemplative and alone; sometimes her presence is only implied. Lately, the owl is appearing in the garden. The red dog is a nod to my love of those wonderful creatures, always a part of my life.

Bio - Marcia Van Doren

A native of Wenatchee, WA, Marcia lived most of her life there. She moved to West Seattle in 1999, where she maintains a studio in her home.

Marcia’s art education began as an adult. She enrolled in a drawing class at Wenatchee Valley College when her youngest of four children entered pre-school. She continued at WVC with classes in painting and printmaking working with instructor, Robert Graves. From there she transferred her studies to Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, where she earned a BA in Fine Art and a MFA in Painting and Drawing primarily working with instructors William Dunning and Cynthia Krieble. In 1998, she attended a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Vermont. While she was there, she met and was influenced by established artists, especially New York artist, Archie Rand. Workshops with Seattle artist, Fay Jones and Lucinda Parker, Portland, were inspiring and enriching experiences.

In 1995-96, Marcia taught Drawing at Wenatchee Valley College. The city of Redmond has her works in their collection. Two of her paintings were reproduced in the January 1998 issue of “CALYX: A Journal of Art and Literature by Women.”

Marcia’s paintings are currently represented by Raven Rocks Gallery, Depot Bay, OR. She has exhibited her paintings and prints extensively for the past 30 years. Some of these include the Bellevue Art Museum, Pacific Northwest Arts and Crafts Fair; Fraker/Scott Gallery, Seattle; Bella Pearla Gallery, Portland, OR.; Gallery One, Ellensburg, WA.; Larson Gallery, Yakima, WA., Confluence Gallery, Twisp, WA.; Arts West Gallery and Playhouse, Seattle, WA.; Childhood’s End Gallery, Olympia, WA.; Robert Graves Gallery, Wenatchee, Wa.