Whether portraiture, still life, figure, or landscape, David A. Marshall's paintings are all strong in composition, color, form, and perspective. He describes himself as an adventure artist sighting his direct, observational approach to portraying classic themes whether on the street or on the edge of a cliff. He is the first professional artist elected as a Portland City Councilor and is also recognized as the Best Local Artist by the Portland Phoenix. In collaboration with non-profit organizations, he works with community members on murals as community revitalization projects. He also teaches as a guest artist with non-profit organizations. Marshall is fulfilling his philosophy of bringing renewal through art. Artist's Statement Through bold color and high contrast my artwork depicts the drama of nature, the intricate architecture of humankind, and the blind optimism that I feel for the earth and its inhabitants. Painting plein air style – directly from nature on site – is my favorite process as it expresses the artistic experience of being submerged in a space at a given time. As an artist, I aspire to create prolifically and spread my art to inspire positive, creative energy. Artist's Achievements COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP 2006 Marshall is the first artist elected to the Portland City Council. 2005 Marshall and other Portland artists protest City Ordinances that regulate street artists and compromise Freedom of Expression. The Council repeals the Ordinances following the protest. LOCAL PRESS 2007 Press Herald shows Marshall plein air painting at "Paint Out" in Portland. The West End News pictures Marshall plein air painting on the front cover. The Switch features Marshall's Observatory on the front cover. Portland Phoenix readers name Marshall as Portland's Best Local Artist. 2006 Press Herald covers the historical multi-unit Marshall owns and is restoring. 2005 Press Herald features Marshall and his art in the iHerald. 2004 Portland Phoenix selects 'Pine Street at Night' for the cover of 8 Days a Week. Portland Magazine features an interview with Marshall as artist of the 'Summer Guide.' Channel 6 News shows footage of Marshall painting in Longfellow Square during coverage of artists protesting Portland City Ordinances. 2003 Channel 8 News covers "Portland West Goes to City Hall." EXHIBITIONS 2008 Solo show at Blue Note and Shay's Restauant. 2007 Solo show at Portland's Downtown District and group shows at Black Frame Art Sale, Blue Note, Portland Sidewalk Art Festival, Portland Peace Festival, and Parks & Recreation. 2006 Solo shows at Blue Note, Zarrah's Monumental Coffeehouse, Public Access TV, and Breaking New Grounds in Portland, Maine. Group shows at Betsey's Boutique, Shay's Restaurant, and Black Frame Art Sale. 2005 Solo shows at Blue and Youngo's in Portland, Maine and at Assumption College in Worchester, Massachusetts. 2004 "Arts & Business Collaboration" of Troubh, Heisler, & Piampiano. 2003 Group shows at C.W. White Gallery, Portland West, and Portland City Hall. TEACHING 2008 Marshall inspires participants of Creative Trails as a guest artist. 2007 Marshall teaches painting to students at Lyseth Elementary School as a guest artist. 2006 Marshall creates the "Independence Day" murals with at-risk youth at the Heritage House. 2005 Spiral Arts hires Marshall as the Mosaic Project Leader for installation of a large-scale mosaic mural for the new Parkside Community Center on Grant Street in Portland. 2004 Marshall leads youth to complete murals with a Maine Arts Commission's "Artist in Maine Communities Grant," a collaboration with non-profits Portland West and West End Policing. Creation of the "Graffiti Busting Mural" with youth in the Service Works program. 2003 Creation of "Earth Day Mural" with youth in Portland West's Service Works Program. 1996-2002 Governor Angus King displays Marshall's collaborative mural in his State Office. EDUCATION 2001 Plein Air Painting Apprenticeship with Deborah Chapin in Giverny, France. 1998-2001 University of Southern Maine and King Alfred's College (Winchester, England) 1999-2000 Museums visited throughout the United States and Europe inspire artistic insight. 1997-1998 Completes Rochester Institute of Technology Foundation Arts Program. 1998 Rolling Stone Magazine illustrator Phillip Burke mentors Marshall. 1993-1997 Sharpens artistic skills during advance art classes at Cony High in Augusta, ME. 1992 Fine artist Phillip Barter instructs Marshall at the Bates Summer Art Program.