MARLENE HAAS
Abstract expression in watercolor, oil, and collage
Napa California

 Marlene Haas

 I have been creating art as long as I remember. I learned to work with fabric from my mother and grandmothers to make small sculptures, collages and quilts. I've applied those skills, to experiment with mixed media to create decorated boxes, holiday ornaments, and decorations.

I have enjoy living in the Napa Valley. The ever-changing colors and beautiful vineyards backed by the mountains have inspired many paintings.   I use elements from  the midwest  and Pennsylvania  where I had also resided.

 The transparency of watercolor is my first love, especially the soft nuance of colors that are lush and delicious. I enjoy painting impressions of landscape and flowers, then abstract the scene for a new view. My love of experimenting with mixed media has lead to collage, using handmade papers, rice papers, fabric with oil and watercolor.

At the Wyomissing Institute, in Reading, Pennsylvania, I studied watercolor technique with Linda Henry. I continue to study watercolor and oil techniques with  Doris Henderson, John Hewitt, Maridee Hays, and Peter Scatturo and Katherine Chang Liu.

Each year I participate in local shows that support organizations sponsoring children and charities. I am a member of the Napa Valley Arts Council, Vacaville Art League, and the Napa Valley Art Association and an exhibiting member of the Artist of the Valley Gallery.