D. Marshall Elliott

Creativity is an inherited trait through our family line and I represent the fourth generation in a line of artists.  Each generation had to learn their craft, choose their media, and work out how to both create and to eat. 

A formal art education was not something that was available to us growing up, but whenever possible, I would work through books on painting from our library or local book store.  Over the years I began to build creative skills, techniques, and a portfolio of artwork. It was that portfolio that landed me a job with the airlines as a Flight Attendant.

Zoltan Szabo took my art journey into an entirely new direction.  His book “Landscape Painting in Watercolor” left  me with a lifelong love for the medium.   Over the years it has been a passion to continue to learn through the tutelage of hundreds of professional art instructors whose lessons fill the bookshelves of my studio. My husband Tom, with his unfailing support, critiques, and encouragement, has been my partner throughout thirty years, and I am very grateful to say that over time, our daughters, both professional artists, have also joined the ranks of those I claim as "my teachers".

In 1998  I learned more about the professional side of art through membership and participation in the Vienna Art Society. Well run local art organizations not only provide ample opportunities for artists to develop their craft, but also to learn about the business of organizing and participating in workshops, competitions, shows, and events through which individuals and the community as a whole is enriched. 

D. Marshall Elliott is an award-winning artist and is also a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, the Potomac Valley Watercolorists and is a Signature Member of the Virginia Watercolor Society.