BIOGRAPHY​

 

Evan Stuart Marshall is an award-winning mixed-media abstract artist celebrated for his quirky, whimsical paintings that bring joy and energy to any space. Born in Boston and raised in Sharon, Massachusetts, Evan now lives and works in Roseland, New Jersey.

​

Largely self-taught, Evan has garnered numerous awards and recognition for his vibrant creations. His paintings have been featured in both solo and group exhibitions and are held in private collections around the globe. His work is also available through major online retailers, including 1stDibs, Amazon, Artsy, Better Homes & Gardens, Houzz, Wayfair, and more.

 

One of Evan’s paintings was recently selected by renowned curator Paige Powell—formerly of Andy Warhol’s Factory—for the permanent collection of the MC Hotel in Montclair, New Jersey. Described by The Caldwell News as “vivid abstract and mixed media work,” his art has earned praise from collectors and fellow artists alike. Charles H. Carver once remarked, “Instead of Klee’s 'take a line for a walk,' you have a talk with color!"

 

A lifelong creator, Evan began as a child making comic books and marble-roll machines for his cousins, evolving through landscapes and still-life painting before discovering his true passion for abstract art. His collectors affectionately call his work “happy art,” reflecting its ability to inspire optimism and joy. Through his vivid use of color—often fluorescent—and bold compositions, Evan captures life’s exuberance in every piece.

 

Evan’s process involves layering a diverse range of materials, including acrylic and oil paints, cold wax, collage, graphite, and found objects. Tools as unconventional as coffee-cup sleeves and plastic wrap add texture and character to his art. Each piece reveals hidden details beneath its surface, creating a dynamic interplay of shapes and colors that invite discovery.

 

“I live in rural New Jersey, not far from New York City, and my work draws inspiration from the city’s energy and the serenity of the countryside,” says Evan. His art, blending playfulness with sophistication, offers a unique perspective that resonates with audiences everywhere.

 

​

ARTIST STATEMENT​

 

My art has often been called "happy art," and nothing could make me happier because that’s precisely the emotion I strive to evoke in every piece. I want my collectors to feel uplifted each time they pass one of my paintings, as if they’ve received a little boost of joy.

 

I typically work on several paintings at once, often exploring classic abstract compositions like the cruciform or the "Z." Texture plays a central role in my work—I’m endlessly experimenting with materials to create new tactile effects. I scrape, blot, stencil, stamp, scratch, gouge, and even use my fingers to build the layered, textured surfaces that make my paintings so dynamic.

 

Inspiration strikes me everywhere. Whether it’s a color combination, a pattern, or a texture I encounter in another piece of art, I bring it back to the studio and reinterpret it in my own way. Visits to galleries and museums leave me brimming with ideas to explore. I choose colors that “make my eyes happy”—a phrase I use because there’s no better way to describe the sensation. I don’t stop working on a painting until it excites me, and I aim for that same excitement to resonate with viewers.

 

The most exhilarating part of creating a painting is starting with a blank surface and letting it guide me. My process is entirely intuitive—I make a mark, assess what’s there, and respond with another. Each painting is an adventure, a dialogue between me and the canvas, unfolding until I feel that undeniable sense of completion.

 

Creativity has been with me my whole life. As a child, I built elaborate marble-roll "machines" for my cousins and made colorful, psychedelic posters for my friends. I’ve always loved art, and after experimenting with landscapes and still life early in my career, I found my true passion in abstract work more than 25 years ago.

 

It’s a privilege to know my paintings bring joy to others. Whether they’re displayed in homes, offices, or galleries, it fills me with gratitude to know that my art connects with people on a personal level. Being able to create something that sparks happiness and inspiration is the greatest reward of all—a dream come true.

 

​

Summary CV

​

Current Location
Roseland, New Jersey

​

Education

Self-taught artist specializing in mixed-media abstract works.

​

Exhibitions

• Solo Exhibitions: Gallery at Two South Willow, Montclair, NJ (2024); Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, NJ (2023); Harmony Brookside Gifts & Gallery, Mendham, NJ (2023), and more.

• Group Exhibitions: New Jersey Art Association, Art Upstairs Gallery, Morristown, NJ (2024); Studio Montclair, Montclair, NJ (multiple years); Essex County Senior Art Show (multiple awards), and more.

 

Awards

• Award of Excellence, Livingston Arts Association (2024)

• Second Prize, New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show (2022)

• WEAA Best in Category – Photo/Abstract (2021)

 

Collections

• MC Hotel, Montclair, NJ

• South Standard Apartments, Boston, MA

• Private collections in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and Spain

 

Publications as Author

• Building Your Art Business: Marketing, Sales, and Strategies for Succsss

• Abstract Art Revolution: Creative Strategies for Innovative Spaces

• Collecting Abstract Art on a Budget: Create a Collection You Love Without Breaking the Bank

 

Teaching Experience

• Mixed-Media Abstracts Instructor, Livingston Arts Association (2021–2024)

• Mixed-Media Workshop, West Essex Art Association (2022)

 

Gallery Affiliations

• Saatchi Art (Los Angeles, CA)

• TurningArt (Boston, MA)

 

Professional Affiliations

• Jersey Artist Registry

• West Essex Art Association (Membership and Communications)

 

Media Coverage

• Featured in My Paper Online and the Livingston Public Library Blog

• Interview, WMBC-TV, Cedar Grove, NJ

​

​

Download a PDF of Evan's complete CV.