Marilyn Simandle had always known that she would become an artist. Learning from her mother, a musician and painter in her own right, Simandle started painting watercolors at age six. Raised in the San Francisco Bay area, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from San Jose State University. Simandle went on to share her developed knowledge and incredible talent by teaching art and conducting workshops throughout California and at the Scottsdale Artists' School for the past 15 years. Originally a watercolorist, Marilyn has committed herself in a new direction in recent years, oil painting. Her paintings assimilate the delicate touch and planning needed in watercolor with the boldness and finish that only oil painting can achieve.

In her paintings, Simandle tries to convey her own personal philosophy of art. She loves to explore the complex interplay of light and its effects on architecture and surroundings. An avid traveler and photographer, Marilyn uses her photographs simply as the starting point, an inspiration for her composition, she paints what she wants the subject matter to be, engaging collectors with uplifting paintings filled with harmonious color, depth and vitality. While striving for truth in her paintings, she does believe that "perfection is the enemy of great art." A single brush stroke can speak volumes in a painting. Simandle is inspired and influenced by the poetry in the brush strokes of John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla.

Residing in the Santa Ynez Valley with her husband, Ted Goerschner, also an artist, where she explores all her passions: painting, gardening, playing bridge, and horseback riding. A music lover, Marilyn has a baby grand piano that she enjoys playing while taking breaks from painting. She and her husband travel often, bringing back magnificent subject matter for their paintings. Marilyn recently traveled through Italy, Greece and the former Yugoslavia. The Mediterranean light was inspiring, as was the romance of the architecture.

Marilyn is a master Signature Member of Oil Painters of America (OPA), a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society, Plein-Air Painters of America (PAPA) and the California Art Club. She has numerous articles in magazines such as Southwest Art and Art of the West. In 1996, her first book on Watercolor painting was published by North Light and since, a second book is available entitled Contagious Enthusiasm.

Marilyn has received many awards in nationally juried shows, among them: the prestigious "High Winds Medal" from the Watercolor Society in 1992 and 1993; in 1997 the Oil Painters of American (OPA) West Coast Regional "First Place"; "People Choice Award", OPA National Show, 1998; and the Shiryl Smithson OPA Memorial Award in 1999.

To date, she has exhibited in over 80 one-woman shows throughout the United States. She has become internationally known and collected by both individuals and corporations worldwide.

Marilyn Simandle's artwork reflects locales around the world. As an avid traveler with a special interest in the subtlety of light, she has been inspired by many spectacular destinations, ranging from Italy's Amalfi Coast, to the lush gardens of Charleston, South Carolina.

An artist since the age of six, Marilyn Simandle has dedicated her life to her craft. Growing up with an artist mother, she found the encouragement neccessary to pursue her pasion for painting. Since her early start with her mother in adult education classes, she has dedicated her life as a painter by furthering her abilities through education. A graduate of San Jose State University, Simantle has never stopped learning. She is always open to new ideas and techniques. Beginning her career as a skilled watercolorist and member of the American Watercolor Society since the 1970's, she later discovered her abilities as an oil painter in the 1990's, winning first place in a regional show for Oil Painters of America in 1997.

Always passionate about the outdoors, she has found her place among the Plein-Air Painters of America. She also serves as a judge for shows and festivals.

Over the past thirty years, Simandle has exhibited more than sixty-five one woman shows. She won the People's Choice Award at the Oil Painters of America National Show in 1998.

She has also written a book, Capturing Light in Watercolor, which was published in 1997.