Marilyn Antram
I am an Ohio-born artist, was a design major at Ohio State University and had the good fortune to be able to spend my early years in the vibrant, creative arena of American Greetings in Cleveland. After working there and then, for many years, as a freelance designer at my first career of graphic design, I felt the call to leave the computer and prusue fine art. Having done extensive illustration all during my career, drawing wasn't a problem, so I consulted with some of Jacksonville's well known artists and began. It has been a rewarding decision, both professionally and personally in a relatively short time. The learning continues by interacting with the many artistic, talented professionals in Jacksonville, taking workshops, attending shows and galleries, and lots of painting. I am a member of and treasurer of the First Coast Plein Air Painters, Jacksonville Artists Guild, St. Augustine Art Association, Pines and Palms Artists in Thomasville, GA and show at the Grace Gallery in the Ancient Olive in St. Augustine and at J.Gregory Gallery in San Marco in Jacksonville. I have a special fondness for the coastal US and the colorful scenes of the harbors from Maine to Florida, especially those with working fishing boats. Other interests are North Florida's nostalgic towns and historic districts like Fernandina Beach or St. Augustine, and of course, the glory of nature... the beauty around us, is a prime subject. Going to the many beautiful state parks around the country and in Florida has been a must for me where I try to capture the beauty of the scene for the viewer. I always have a camera with me to give me inspiration in the studio or I paint "en plein air" where you are absolutely connected to your art in the most intimate way. When people look at my paintings I want them to want to be there, or if the painting is more abstract, to be captivated by it and be drawn into it to find their own meanings.
I had been living in Ponte Vedra and now Jacksonville and married to Dale Antram for 33 years, we have a daughter, Brenna, who is a graphic designer/manager and artist here in Jacksonville.
Art is very rewarding for me and has brought me much personal joy. It has been a wonderful career in all the facets that I have experienced. I have a sign in my studio that reads, "Happy as a seagull with a french fry!" which sums it up perfectly.
I have participated in many juried shows, several solo exhibits and have shows upcoming in the Jacksonville, FL. I am currently exhibiting at J. Gregory Gallery on Hendricks Ave. In Jacksonville and the Grace Collection at The Ancient Olive on King Street in St. Augustine, FL.