American painter Marianne Ogden joins Allura Art
Introducing our newest artist
Allura is pleased to announce the latest artist to join Allura Art - American painter Marianne Odgen.
In this blog post we welcome Marianne and introduce her to you through a series of interview questions about her backstory and her art.
Meanwhile, for a short biography and to view her portfolio, visit Marianne’s profile page on Allura Art.
Marianne Ogden with her painting San Anton Palace
Marianne, welcome aboard Allura Art.
What made you decide to join our group of artists and what do you hope might come out of the experience going forward?
I need the company of other professional artists I respect and admire. When I visited the Allura Trail last autumn I was very impressed. It is time to be seen and enjoy the artists’ circuit again.
Marianne Ogden on The Trail Valletta 2021 talking to artist Christopher Saliba and Allura’s Laura Swale
What brought you to Malta?
Although I loved living in New York City, it was hard on my health. At the same time, my husband wanted to do a Masters in Sustainability that was offered at the University of Malta. When he suggested coming here it seemed like a great adventure and an opportunity to heal. We enjoyed it here so much we’ve stayed.
Manoel Gate by Marianne Ogden
How long have you been an artist?
I started private oil painting lessons when I was eight and have painted ever since. My journey as an artist has evolved steadily alongside my teaching. Being an art educator has pushed me to stay fresh, try new materials and absorb inspiration from various artists and cultures, even the enthusiasm of my students.
Mediterranean Piazza by Marianne Ogden
What motivates you to paint and what does your art mean to you?
I have to make art. I am not my best self unless I do. Fascinating subjects dare me to paint them and gnaw at me until I recreate them somehow.
Sometimes my studies and experiments are just for me to process and learn what works, what doesn’t. That’s OK. Painting brings up a full range of emotions and makes me process what I am missing and what I cherish.
Sweet Barrakka by Marianne Ogden
How do you decide what to paint?
I usually follow my whim but weigh that against what resources I have at the time. I also look for something I think others may be overlooking. Currently, I am diving into my fascination with local architecture, shadows, textures and patterns. I’m not interested in merely recording a scene but in drawing out the design elements I feel should never be taken for granted or dismantled to make way for less soulful design.
Fountain Blue by Marianne Ogden
Coming from the United States, Malta sometimes feels like being in a fantasy movie or part of an M.C. Escher etching. What is this place if it loses its Maltese-ness, its incredible uniqueness? I paint to celebrate that sense of awe I feel as I wander the bastions of Valletta, Barrakka Gardens, my village of Balzan, the Three Cities and Manoel Island. The subject matter here is endless.
If my current work has a message it is to protect this culture and all its quirks and treasures. There is no other place like it.
Barrakka Arch by Marianne Ogden
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I believe great art exaggerates what we often take for granted. It makes us sit up and pay attention. It points at common but remarkable experiences. For that reason, I often gravitate toward hard lines, patterns and altered colours to push the images out of their usual context.
I like to keep evolving. Teaching has exposed me so many great materials that now it is difficult for me to stick with just one. So I would describe myself simply as a mixed media teaching artist.
Marianne Ogden working on her painting Ta' Pinu
How regularly do you paint and how much time do you devote to your practice?
Teaching three days a week leaves me four for my art and homelife. For now it is a nice balance as each provides positive feedback for the other. The medium I use dictates my work rhythms. I may spend a day photographing at many locations, one making cold wax medium in various colours, one drawing, one watercolouring backgrounds, then applying oil paints and pastels another and so on. The upside is lots of variety and the downside is not having a set routine.
Ta' Pinu by Marianne Ogden
You’re now an established artist. What does it take for an artist to reach this stage of career development and do you have any advice for emerging artists to guide them in their journey?
There is no magic bullet to becoming an established artist other than persistence and continuing to grow.
I owe my growth to two people in particular, my husband and a lifelong artist friend. Both are brutally honest with me and are also my greatest supporters.
Corner Shop by Marianne Ogden
Every artist needs people in their life like that. Also, my friend urges me on with new things she is learning. For example, she introduced me to cold wax artists and videos on technique. From time to time, we paint together via Skype since we no longer live near one another. We also set up artistic challenges to do. I cannot overstate how helpful that has been. Self-criticism can become overwhelming without these cheerleaders who stick with you over the years and know your negative and positive triggers.
Village Center by Marianne Ogden
My advice to young artists actually applies to anyone. Invest in strong, lasting relationships that will anchor and support you. Professionally speaking, it is especially empowering if these choice people are not competing directly with you but do have a passion and knowledge of your field.
What are your creative aspirations going forward?
Looking forward, I have so many paintings to frame. I am also eager to exhibit work once again in person, particularly with the Allura Open Studios Programme 2022. These two years of COVID have given me extra solitude and studio time so I have much to share.
Island Gate by Marianne Ogden
To view Marianne’s other available artwork - visit her full portfolio on Allura Art.
Marianne is just one of the artists whose paintings are available through the Allura Art online gallery. Artwork is available at studio prices and can be delivered or collected locally or shipped overseas. To view artwork according to budget, visit the search by price page.
For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow Allura on Facebook.
Finally, in case you’re new to Allura Art…
About the Allura Art Collection
The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.
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About the Allura Art advisory service
Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.
Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.
Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.
Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.
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