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Pastelist

Marni Koelln

I strive for a level of realism in the horse that moves beyond mere depiction. The direct application of pure pigment allows me to work spontaneously, creating a sense of gestural emotion and vibrant light. I challenge myself to create a realistic piece that “comes to life” on the canvas using a bold colour palette. My medium of choice is pastels, with its pure, rich pigments. I also paint using oils, acrylics and graphite.

Marni is a versatile artist who excels in a variety of mediums, winning awards for her pastels, oils and acrylics. With limited exposure, her work has been recognized with a Special Excellence at Harness Tracks of America Juried Show in Lexington, Ky., Honorable mention at BC’s Valley Arts Show. In the “Light, Space and Time Online Gallery,  her pastels have twice been awarded Special Recognition from thousands of worldwide entries. She recently has had success showing at the Calgary Stampede Art Show. Marni was invited to participate in the Imago Mundi Project from Italy. She received one of 240 canvases given to artists for the Western Canadian Collection which completed in 2016 and began it’s world tour. The Imago Mundi Collection is now housed in a permanent location in Treviso, Italy.

Marni’s work centers on her love for horses, her portfolio also includes a variety of portraits of dogs, cats, people, still life and landscapes. Marni is currently working part time as a graphic designer at an Airdrie printshop. She is a Signature Member of Pastel Artists Canada and a member of Federation of Canadian Artists, where she has had her work juried into shows at the Federation Gallery in Vancouver.

Artworks by

Marni Koelln

The intersection where art, culture and community converge.
Route 22 Gallery is located on the land of the Treaty 7 people. In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Treaty 7 territory and the cultural and oral practices of the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations as well as the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, (Métis Nation District 4) within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. It is a privilege and and an honour to share these lands as our collective home. Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery is an inclusive organization. We love our community and all are welcome here.

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