Marcia Nivens

Growing up in East Texas, I doodled and sketched, even going so far as to mail in the magazine “Can You Draw This” design at age ten. A rep visited our home but my Dad said we couldn’t afford lessons at that time, a decision he later told me he regretted. Art classes in school were not available at that time so I moved on to other areas of expression such as drama and writing.

Moving to majestic Colorado in 1979 encouraged my artistic eye. For years my canvas was either the camera or computer art where I designed event flyers at work. One day in the early 80’s I watched a friend paint her first oil. I said, “I can do that” and we went directly out to buy my first canvas, brushes and tubes of oil paint; together we painted the same picture. I had now discovered another facet of myself and was encouraged to continue painting. Although I attended a few beginner classes in the 80’s, I consider myself self-taught up to this point.  

My unique style of painting is to replicate memory photos. The greatest compliment I could ever receive for my artwork was when Dad told me he “was a collector of priceless art”.

Recently I retired and thanks to a huge Christmas gift of artist’s supplies from my encouraging husband, I have returned to my hobby of oil painting after twenty-years of not even holding a paintbrush. My goal is to gain more experience from future classes and critiques from other artists. I am an Emerging Artist and was recently juried into the Paletteers Art Club where I will develop my artistic gifts in all media’s.  

I sign my pictures with a cross above my name to give glory to my Lord for the talent I have been given.