I'M MARILYN DALE

Once I read, “whatever you loved to do in kindergarten is what you’ll love to do all your life.” For me, it’s true. I loved drawing and coloring. My favorite way to spend time, then and now, is with my papers and pencils. 

Today, I'm an award winning artist, a colorist, accomplished in oil, watercolor and pastel. I am inspired by landscapes and people, creating everything from traditional portraiture through abstractions. 

I'm honored to have my art hang in homes, offices, and churches where I've designed large-scale liturgical installations of fabric and stained glass.

Commissioned pieces nearly always have personal significance to the owner, and I enjoy bringing those to life. 

This website has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.

inspiration

I’m intrigued by pulling small ideas from larger pieces. What begins as a complicated landscape true to its “roots,” can morph into a simplified abstraction by zooming in on just a small area of a sketch  that is pleasing for its composition and colors. I’m inspired by the ever-changing nature of the landscape, the undulating shapes and subtle shifts of color.

technique

I am a technique junkie, always exploring new ways to bring excitement to my pieces for you! People ask my favorite medium, but I love them all for different reasons. I am always happiest when an idea, image or combination emerges during the process – the unexpected that makes me smile.

See my process >>

career highlight

- Certificate in Painting: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 

= Winner: Faith and Form Magazine, Installed stained glass 24’x12’ 

= Book Cover Artist: Pieces to Peace published by NACSDC 

= Author, Illustrator: More than 20 Children’s Books and Energize Your Art Ministry (available on Amazon)

- Former President & Board Member: Naperville Art League 

- Former Art Instructor: North Central College Continuing Education and Naperville Art League