Marla French was born and raised in Seattle and has had a passion for sketching and painting since childhood. Her love of the Northwest is reflected in her landscape paintings. She began serious study eleven years ago as a representational painter in watercolor. Currently, she is furthering her study in oil and figure painting and exploring abstraction.

Marla has studied with several nationally known artists and attended numerous workshops, including the prestigious Intensive Studies Seminar in Taos, New Mexico. Her work has been displayed in a number of juried shows, winning the Peoples Choice award for the Eastside Association of Fine Arts (EAFA) 1996 Open Show, the Parklane Gallery award for the 2003 EAFA Open Show and First Place in the 2006 Seattle Co-Arts Show. One of her paintings was selected as the poster for the 2007 EAFA Members Show. She has also appeared in single artist shows at the Impromptu Wine and Art Bar in Seattle’s Madison Park in 2003 and 2004 and in several public art venues through EAFA. Her works hang in a number of private collections in the United States and Europe.

She is an active member of Seattle Co-Arts, the Eastside Association of Fine Arts, the Northwest Water Color Society and the American water color Society. She served as Co-Chairperson for the 2007 EAFA Open Show.

I want my paintings to evoke thought, a memory or an emotion. I believe deep study in the basics of design, shape, value and line is essential in expressing the content of my paintings. Through this study, I find growth and the development of individual style.

Painting is a very personal journey but I seek to expand beyond my personal view. I love the process of painting. It both excites and frustrates, yet I am content to be part of that process