Keila Marés Marrero
Born in the picturesque island of Puerto Rico and growing around the different shades of Caribbean, I’ve always
felt a pull towards the arts. I remember the first time I visited a museum; I was eleven years old. The Ponce
Museum of Art in PR welcomed me with the painting “Flaming June” by Frederick Leighton. I felt mesmerized,
captivated, moved. So I waited to find a channel for my creativity and experimented in some artistic areas,
including watercolors, needlework, and other crafts. In December of 2006, when I began taking oil painting
lessons from David Gillihan, I finally gave painting a try. It quickly became a passion for me. There was, and
still is, this sense of awe knowing that the piece started out as a blank canvas; that the hands and vision of the
artist brought the piece to life. I know now what it feels to accomplish that and it is wondrous.
The vibrancy of the colors in many of my pieces comes, perhaps, from my Hispanic heritage. Living in a tropical
island with its rich and lively culture has influenced, not only my subject of interest, but also my color selection.
I’ve discovered oil is the medium that helps me channel my experiences.
I have so much to learn! My goal is to be able to create an interpretation on canvas of what I see, filtered
through who I am, not to produce a replica. In other words, capture reality with a personal twist.
My work has been displayed in three art shows so far
Art From the Heart May 2007 at the Dollar General Headquarters
Chocolate Expressions Oct 2007
Strolling thru the Artists March 08 Springfield, TN
I appreciate your interest. I can be reached at kmaresm@gmail.com
or 615-584-7164 if you need further information.
“Study - Second Street Drizzle”
16x20” Oil on canvas
Study of a work by artist Carol Jessen
“Study - Going Home”
16x20” Oil on canvas
This is a study of a work that depicts a welcoming entryway to a waiting table and chairs.
“Reflections”
11x14” Oil on canvas
Original oil on canvas inspired by reflective water with vibrant fall colors. I enjoy painting natural images with an abstract effect.
“Mi Viejo San Juan”
18x20” Oil on canvas
This original piece is inspired by part of Old San Juan’s fortified walls with its charming “garitas,” or lookouts. On my visits back home
there is always the family trip to this most beloved and enchanting city.
“Bird of Paradise”
16x20” Oil on canvas
A combination of pallet knife and brush strokes was used to create this original piece. One of my mother’s favorite flowers that can be
enjoyed back home (Puerto Rico) in her garden.
“Tuscan Poppies”
16x20” Oil on canvas
A pallet knife painting inspired by my desire to visit Tuscany to experience first hand the beautiful flower fields in the country.
“Anawoadanelv”
18x20” Oil on canvas
a-na-wo-a-da-nelv is “teepee” (cloth) in Cherokee. I was looking to achieve a purple-pink sky as a background for a dramatic teepee.
Indian heritage and history is an area of personal interest that I will likely revisit in the future.
“Vegas at Night”
30x40” Oil on canvas
This is an original of a night scene of part of Las Vegas Strip. This work really comes to life in the low light.
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