About

A southerner, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, I left my hometown and job in pursuit of a master's degree at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, California. My west coast time has provoked immense reflection, profound growth, and fruitful exploration of my lifetime passion for painting and creating - a cathartic relationship which has revealed itself as both healing and infinitely inspiring. 

My work is a personal renaissance of mixed media, constantly evolving. A fascination with finding "just the right blue” - the powerful, richness of white and gray oil covering color - the sexiness of black charcoal in juxtaposition with soft strokes… these are just a few visual moments that excite me.

Most recently, I’ve been focusing on negative space, often starting out with a scene or image, only to deconstruct by reorganizing shapes, patterns, and colors into a compelling composition. I also accept commissions, which incites a unique opportunity for me to both collaborate with a patron and expand my thinking beyond my current studies.

In addition to painting, I’m passionate about interior design and installations, with the knowledge that the space around us influences mood and therefore should be carefully crafted to create the best quality of life.

Latest work here.

Contact: marisa.lavallee2@gmail.com