Marilyn Thornton Schraff was born in San Francisco, California and moved to rural southern Ohio prior to school age. She was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the majestic Ohio River. Growing up with a love for God and His creations and an appreciation of the area’s animal life and natural beauty inspired her to write, sculpt, carve, draw and paint at an early age.
Marilyn studied education and art at Ohio University, graduating magma cum laude with a Master of Education and continued post-graduate studies at Ohio State University. By using numerous mediums through time, she developed her current artistic style, which she describes as, “simplified realism with a touch of dreamy imagination”. Her preferred art medium is watercolors on paper because she feels it accentuates her desired outcome.
The artist often does paintings for others from photographs with the realization that the true beauty of art is something special to each beholder. She is willing to take what an individual chooses as a subject and adapt it to her particular style and medium to create a piece of art for them, including landscapes; landmarks; and home, people and pet portraits. Her paintings have been exhibited in public buildings, galleries and private homes in several states and countries on five continents.
Marilyn and her husband, Fred, work as a team in matting, framing, and displaying her art. He also serves as her technical support for writing. Fred is a life long native of Cuyahoga County.
Have one of your favorite photographs or memories made into a piece of art.
Let Marilyn paint something especially for you!
