Perfecting my craft, through chasing curiosity.

Born in a small, closed out from the world,  Albania, Marinela having a talented self taught, curious family of aunts, uncles, and grandmother that would best the impossible in those conditions. They made it possible to dream and create, determined to follow my childhood dream, to explore the bigger world and learn and experience all that I can. I arrived in the US at age 30 with my new family and a big desire to start a new life.

In Albania I had barely grasped a teaching degree and during changes of the regime, I was part of an education change project with no relation to the education system in public school in the US. I relied on the family restaurant business, with the possibility of learning watercolor with a group of artists later at the University of Wisconsin Extension art classes. I am consistently working around the family needs and dedication to my daughters. I acquired the Business Degree from Cardinal Stritch University and a Master in Business Management.

Outdoors in nature is the best teacher through practice and studying about colors and techniques on canvas. With the help of talented art friends and tutors, I learned about portraiture with oil techniques and, for fun, trying in different mediums; acrylic, cold wax, palette knife layering . 

Plein Air was tempting being a painter in the US, initially they were to learn, then consistently doing studies and creating works from the different art trips, retreats and vacations, they became a part of my life. Through our artist groups in Madison or Dane County, Kingston Art Retreat , Lawrence University Lodge in Bjorklunden, Green Lake Art Group, Dane County Plein Air Painters Association, Madison Watercolor Society,Portrait Society of America, Atwood Studio Atelier .