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Art Up Close
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: July - 2022
For Peggy Marra, the natural world and its denizens serve as an unquenchable source of wonder and inspiration.
Peggy Marra was often in her own world, sketching and drawing, while, she said, “I was supposed to paying attention in a class.” She started painting when she was 16, visited Europe at 18 and 19 to absorb the art world, and she has been painting oils on canvas ever since. Three years in Greece, where she met husband Mihalis solidi-fied her career as an artist. And for many years, until her husband passed, they managed art galleries, first in a small community in Montreal, Canada, and additionally in the affluent Sherbrook Street section of Montreal and also in Boca Raton, Florida. The downside of managing art galleries is that she had limited time to paint. But when she sold the galleries after Mihalis died, she decided to devote at least three days a week in her Sapphire Valley home – which she has owned for 19 years – to painting detailed, close-up, almost life-like images of wildlife prevalent in Western North Carolina or out West, where she has participated in photography excursions.Portraying wildlife became her passion. And, through her art, Marra strives to make people aware of the diverse and unique character of the animal she is painting.In fact, the personalities and expressions of various animals and even birds are conveyed in vibrant, rich hues on large canvases. “I started painting bears, and then began focusing on wolves, bison, coyotes, mountain lions…I love to get up close with my art, show the details of the face.” She also does commission work of pets and large animals, such as horses.Her work is exhibited at Summer House Design Center, near Highlands, and Turning Leaf Gallery in Blue Ridge, Georgia. However, she said, “A large following of people who have my work and want more of my work just come to my studio to see what I’ve finished and what I’m working on.“It’s total immersion in the work. It’s my passion. Nothing else is going on except me and my canvas and my oils.”You can see Peggy’s work at the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers Summer Colors Fine Art Show – July 23 and 24 at the Sapphire Valley Community Center – or visit peggymarra.com.
by Deena Bouknight
