Marion grew up in a small town called Lloydminster in Alberta, Canada. Her mother saved some of the art work she had done in the 7th grade that showed some artistic talent. However, she did not get interested in art until she was a teacher in a private school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was at this time that she needed visual aids as a teaching support and since she could not afford to buy any, she drew them. Because they were so much fun to do and turned out pretty good, it drove her to further develop her talents.

In the 1970's, Marian began taking art lessons and has continued since. She has tried out many different medias including watercolor, pastels, pencil drawings (color and black and while) oils, and is currently working with acrylics. Her favorite subjects are landscapes and flowers.

Marian has attended several workshops in Escondido, California conducted by Bill Powell, and has also taken several classes instructed by him. Mr. Powell has several published books through the Walter Foster "Learn to Paint" series. She is currently enrolled in painting classes at the Cottage Grove Community Center.