Biography
A Colorado native and 2nd generation artist, Marianna, was brought up with a passion for the outdoors, adventure and travel...an artist with wanderlust
From 1980-2011, while raising her family, Marianna, was an artisan in her castle at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, a juried show. She won numerous awards through the years. For four delightful summers, 2005-09, she roamed the "streets" of the festival painting en plein air as, "Mariannangelo Bounarroti", Michaelangelo's younger and sadly forgotten sister. She loved the challenge of painting in front of the crowds of 10-15,000 people a weekend!
Prior endeavors include owning a stained glass design studio in downtown Denver and Boston, MA. In 1979 she was recognized as an Outstanding Entrepreneur by Colorado Business Magazine for her glass art and design. She even owned a cheese shop and deli in Crested Butte, CO. in the early 70's while studying art, at Western State College.
Oil painting en plein air, has brought a whole new set of "problems" to explore. The challenge of capturing fleeting light in an ever changing atmosphere in all kinds of weather is, well, just plain fun! Throw in the occasional moose, dog and human encounters, it is always a day well spent!
COMMERCIAL AFFILIATIONS/LICENSING
1978-Licensed by National Football League to produce a limited edition of stained glass
windows to commemorate the Denver Bronco’s first Super Bowl. 2007-Wildlife Heritage Foundation Licensed my 3rd place award stamp entry, The Lynx,to produce t-shirts to benefit the foundation. 2010-2023 74 paintings have been licensed for reproduction by West of the Wind Designs. 2013-23 American Furniture Warehouse has licensed 12 of my paintings for reproduction.
