Meet the Artist
Marjorie Cranston
Represented Internationally
Even as a small child it was natural for me to pick up a pencil and draw. Art through my youth became a passion; I felt destined to be in the arts as a career after high school.
I studied fine art at Michigan State University, later to obtain a BS in business from Colorado Christian University with an art minor. I was also a student at the Art Students League Denver, where I studied Pastel.
21 years ago, after moving to the mountains from the Denver area, I opened a gallery in Grand Lake painting and selling my own art. My landscapes were geared to making memories for locals and tourists visiting our unique area, inclusive of Rocky Mountain National Park.
During that time, I also became licensed with Left Bank Art. This company, based in California, represents me and other artists primarily to the Design and Retail Industry.
Two Years ago our community experienced the Troublesome Fire which burned over 400 homes and over 500,000 acres when it collided with the Cameron Peak fire in Rocky Mountain National Park. We lost our home in that fire, which also consumed 32 pieces of my original art. After the heartbreak of such a loss of a home and everything in it, I made it a goal to paint at least that many pieces again while also trying to rebuild our lives and rebuild a home. I found it necessary to sell the gallery during such a time. We have been able to rebuild and recently moved to our new home which is inclusive of a studio. I feel fortunate to paint and work again full time.
I have changed mediums to do more painting rather than pastel. The change has been exciting. My art has changed. I would say with the tough experiences there is more emotion in my work from the trial by fire. I feel blessed to have this new studio and an opportunity to create again and share with you.