Painting and loving it , chasing beauty vistas and curiosity.

Born in Albania, left the country during the regional turmoins of war in Kosovo moved to US, coming for un uncommon upbringing , having a talented self taught, family of aunts, uncles, and grandmother that would do the impossible allow to dream and create, determined to follow childhood dreams, to explore the bigger world and learn and experience all that she could ,arrived in the US at age 30 with her new family and a big desire to start a new life.

In Albania she had barely grasped a teaching degree as a result of being a family that was persecuted not allow to go to university thing that made of easier during changes of the regime, 

later years she became part of an education change project in ages 0-10 and training teacher very exiting project in Albania but not transferable in US, with no real chance of job application to a teaching position in public school in the US.

Relying on the family restaurant business, with the flexibility of schedule to paint /learn watercolor with a group of artists, later adding more courses at the University of Wisconsin Extension Art courses immersed her practices in acrylic oils and different materials and techniques, portraits and landscapes outdoors and with weekly art retreats

Consistently working around the family needs and dedication to her daughters. she pursued acquired the Business Degree from Cardinal Stritch University and a Master in Business Management.

Outdoors setting the easel and painting in nature became the best teacher through practice and studying about colors and perspective creating 3D images on canvas.

Plein Air Events 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 painting life. Wrap events and exhibits now Artist Wisconsin Associations,judged shows and state level conferences , critiques and discussions in various circles like Madison Watercolor Society….through artist groups in Madison or Dane County, Kingston Art Retreat , Duck Lake art Camp ,Lawrence University Lodge in Bjorklunden 3 seasons a year, Green Lake Art Group, Dane County Plein Air Painters Association, Madison Watercolor Society,Portrait Society of America, Atwood Studio Atelier given the stamp of approval to a professional level which humility and gratefulness for the possibilities that were given and the recognition that she had received from state shows, few galleries in town, UW gallery invitational , marinela continues to paint and create beauty for anyone to enjoy.