Featured Artist Merrie Taverna

Enjoy the charming portfolio of artist Merrie Taverna, whose paintings are inspired by nature and spirituality. Visit her website to see more of her artwork.

 

 

I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember. People and pets were always my favorite subjects.

 

 

Although I was interested in a career as an artist, the voices in my head told me I wasn’t good enough. So, since I’ve always loved children, I chose a career in education.

 

 

After five years, I landed a job teaching art at a small private school. What a blessing! That’s when my own art began to grow. My goal as a teacher was to inspire students to find their creative voice. In the process, I was inspired to pursue mine beyond the classroom.

 

 

In 2020, I retired from teaching to follow my dream full-time. I studied at the Milan Art Institute and completed their Fine Art Mastery Program under Ellie and Dimitra Milan. That’s where my artistic voice really began to emerge.

 

 

A childhood memory has deeply shaped my work: a poem my grandmother shared with me called The Master Weaver. It describes how the underside of a weaving looks tangled, dark and messy, but when you flip it over, its beauty is revealed.

 

 

I think life works the same way—messy and imperfect at times, but when light is added, beauty shines through. My process reflects that. I begin with free, loose layers of inks, collage, and acrylics, and then build with oils to reveal light and beauty.

 

 

My paintings explore love in many forms: within ourselves, with others, with God, and with nature. My series Childhood Wonder captures the joy of children. Contemplative Musings portrays women in reflective thought. Courageous Faith honors martyrs and saints. And I have an ever growing series of Animals.

 

 

Above all, my greatest inspiration is God. Through my work, I hope to share His love by choosing to see and express beauty and joy.

 

Merrie Taverna invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

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