Marla Jean Clinesmith

I work primarily in acrylics, guided by a deep passion for color. That passion was first awakened in a transformative college color theory class over 40 years ago.. At the time, the vast possibilities of color felt overwhelming, yet they opened a world that continues to inspire me today.

The heart of my art lies in the Ancient Hebrew pictographic language, where each letter is more than a symbol—it is a picture, a story, and a vessel of meaning. I am fascinated by how these ancient forms reflect the mindset of the past and invite us into timeless truths. In my paintings, I bring these letters to life, weaving them into layers of bold, vibrant color and sometimes into recognizable forms that carry the story further.

Most of my pieces were relatively small until some trusted critics agreed that the message of my art was “huge” and needed “a big canvas voice.” Since then, I have worked larger, louder, and bolder—bringing colors together dynamically, exploring deeper word studies, and creating larger pieces that speak with strength and clarity.

While my work can be appreciated for its aesthetic beauty alone, my hope is that it stirs something deeper. I want viewers to experience the meeting place of faith, history, and art—a place where ancient words shine again with living color.