Marion's work is about the path or journey we are all on, whether to a physical, spiritual, or emotional place. His paintings explore the landscapes of personal growth, capturing the emotional content and courage of our private journeys, and the triumph of our arrivals. ''I want to represent the blinding truth of those 'Aha Moments' of true insight as well as the confusion and uncertainty we all experience along our paths,'' says Marion. Marion's  figure paintings are about the essence of what it is to be human. ''I am not so much interested in the details of the person, but more about their spirit and inner light. Our capacity for grace, compassion, and love are themes that I find very compelling,'' says the artist. The circle as metaphor has also been a presence in Marion's paintings for many years. ''It's elemental,'' he says, ''almost primal. It represents our journeys and our lessons that keep coming back around. I like the fact that no single point on a circle is more important than any other point. Every point on the path is an equally important part of the journey. Whether we think of it as a good or bad experience, it's all leading us to our destination.'' Expressing this intricacy and depth on canvas involves creating multiple layers of images. To this end, Marion begins each piece with a very vivid and energetic palette knife composition, with thick swirls and streaks of saturated color slashed across the canvas. Marion then layers coat upon coat of sheer and opaque glazes over this base, creating a delicate balance between what is hidden and what is allowed to bleed through. ''This gives it subtext. Just like in life,'' says the artist, ''the most interesting stuff is what's below the surface.  That's where I want my paintings to resonate. Classically trained as a fine artist, Bruce Marion has enjoyed a productive and recognized career as a painter and illustrator, with his work showcased in international publications and honored in juried shows. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Marion began his art career at an early age, studying privately with a cadre of local artists, and sold his first piece in a juried professional show when just nine years old. He holds a BFA from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where studied under world-renowned artist Pat Nagel, and Lorser Feitelson, the father of Post-Surrealism.  He has taught at the Otis Parsons Institute of Art, as well as privately.