Membership Spotlight - Marcie Penland

Art is one of the most important and enjoyable parts of my life. I first showed an interest

in art when I was in third grade, drawing a picture of an old Victorian house that was

featured in our school district’s fine arts show. After high school, I began college

majoring in art at The University of North Texas in Denton, but switched majors,

graduating from The University of Texas in Austin with a BA degree and a teaching

certificate for grades 1-12. I painted off and on a little over the years, but it wasn’t until

I had retired from teaching math and raising my family that I really had time to pursue

art seriously, something I had always wanted to do more than just every now and then.

I painted with an art group in Crawford, Texas, for three years. (The members in that

group were the inspiration for three novels I wrote and had published.) For the last

eight years, I primarily have painted with some wonderful artists in Celeste and

Commerce. Art has introduced me to some of the most interesting, talented, generous

and giving people who also have become my very good friends.

My favorite medium is acrylics, but I am learning to enjoy working in oils. I love the

vibrancy of acrylics and the ability to create a variety of textures. Oils are a little bit

harder for me to work with, but they are nice to use when trying to achieve subtle

gradations in color and softer lines. Flowers are my very favorite subject to paint, but I

also love horses, cows, chickens, foxes, and landscapes.

Learning new techniques and sharing ideas about painting has come largely from taking

workshops, being a part of the Rockwall Art League, attending demonstrations and art

shows, and painting with friends. In addition to painting, I’ve made precious metal and

polymer clay jewelry, done all kinds of needle and bead work, and even a little quilting.

I love being with my family and friends, working in my church, participating in Bible

studies, Art Reach, and many other activities in our community. Art has certainly

enriched my life, and I’m so grateful for these opportunities.