Hi! I’m Marla Bender

I started painting and drawing lessons at the ripe old age of five. Once a week I would go to my teacher’s house and learn how to “really see” the world around me. I learned how to notice that the grass was not one but seven different shades of green and that my peach skin had shades of blue and purple in it.

In college I had access to classes at School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I took full advantage! Sculpture, oil painting, life drawing… I maxed out my credits with whatever I could register for. After living in three countries and four states, I finally unpacked my paints for the last time to settle down in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Why did I decide to transform my artwork into a full-time business? I settled down in these beautiful surroundings and finally settled into myself as an artist. I realized I want to spend my time doing what makes me truly happy and makes me feel connected and whole. I hope that my art helps others reconnect and feel moved in their own lives.