The Beauty of a Bell Pepper, 2023

Marlene Llanes  

Marlene Llanes is a surrealist artist who paints intriguing images that evoke a sense of peace. By creating unusual combinations of everyday objects with natural elements, Marlene's works take the viewer to a grounded fantasy. Her images form meanings for the viewer without being forced upon them. Through the use of light and shadows Marlene creates a sense of depth that draws the viewer into a peaceful dreamlike scene. Her paintings can be very colorful but through the use of contrast Marlene brings simplicity and order. Marlene also likes to paint nature and fruit in a realistic way.

Contrary to some art trends where artists focus on producing quick art that will lead to fast sales, Marlene's art clearly shows an amazing dedication and attention to detail. Due to the high-definition quality of Marlene's paintings, you can stand close or far and everything looks sharp and clean.

Marlene has shown her work in numerous exhibits in Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico.

Three of her works are part of public permanent collections. One at the UHCL Pearland Campus and another one at the Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2012 she was invited to Valloria, Italy to paint one of their doors for their Outdoor Museum of the Painted Doors.

Marlene wrote and illustrated the children's book "Paty y los Payasos", published in 2002 by Los Libros de El Nacional in Venezuela.

Besides working on her surrealist paintings Marlene has also worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for newspapers, printing companies, advertising agencies, and publishing companies. Marlene is also passionate about teaching. She has taught college at the Art Institute of Austin and children at Art Plus Academy as well as private lessons to adults.

In 1997 Marlene graduated as a graphic designer from Universidad Vasco de Quiroga in Morelia, Mexico. In 1998 Marlene was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study illustration in the USA. She finished her master's degree in Fine Arts (Illustration) at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2000.

Marlene was born in Morelia, Mexico. She currently lives in Austin, TX. She is a proud dual citizen.

Education:

In 1997 Marlene graduated as a graphic designer from Universidad Vasco de Quiroga in Morelia, Mexico. In 1998 Marlene was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study illustration in the USA. She finished her master's degree in Fine Arts (Illustration) at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2000.

Awards & Distinctions:

In 1998 Marlene was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study illustration in the USA. She finished her master's degree in fine arts (illustration) at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2000.

Exhibitions:

People's Gallery, Austin City Hall, Austin, TX
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Austin, TX
Texas State University, Round Rock, TX
Art Space, Round Rock, TX
Austin Visual Arts Association, Austin, TX
Total Plaza Gallery, Houston, TX
Hunting Art Prize, Houston, TX
The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, Nassau Bay, TX
Betz Art Gallery, Houston, TX
Archway Gallery, Houston, TX
Museum of Printing History, Houston, TX
Winter Street Studios, Houston, TX
MSC Forsyth Center Galleries, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX
Center for Contemporary Art, Baton Rouge, LA
Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Fort Worth, TX
Northline Gallery, Houston Community College
Mighty Fine Arts, Dallas, TX
Springs Preserve, Las Vegas, NV
Museum of the Painted Doors, Valloria, Italy
Casa de la Cultura, Morelia, Mexico

Artistic Influences:

Dali
Magritte
Escher