Marilynn Derwenskus – Watercolor Artist and Teacher

Recipient of First MWCS Lifetime Achievement Award

This is the Marilynn I have known for nearly 50 years, first at BBA (now Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center) where she was my outstanding watercolor teacher. She taught me techniques and let me find my own style, my way of telling my stories through the elements of watercolor that excited me; the textures, washes, values, and composition. With appropriate observations, and gentle questions, she guided me in my own explorations. She wanted each student to find her/his own distinct personal expression through the versatility of watercolors.

We students were greatly awed that, she and her 3 kids created a close-knit team that met the challenges of her husband’s illness. She always appeared at class with infectious enthusiasm and fresh ideas, even taking us on field trips and inviting us to her home for lunch. Above and Beyond! My personal favorite memory, was her comment to me one day, “Julie, I have been thinking about your work this week.” In spite of her impossible schedule, she included thinking of her students’ progress.

Because of her deft instruction and thoughtful encouragement, I became a career artist continually adding new projects and directions with my art – all from Marilynn’s infusing me with the magic and possibilities of watercolor.

Marilynn Truly Loves Teaching. After retiring from her career, teaching art at Ball State University, she frequently returned to Detroit to give workshops, always finding new ideas and approaches for a cadre of very devoted students.

This is my description of Marilynn as an artist: Excited about new ideas, Intrigued with rethinking former ideas, Eager to learn, Devoted to experimenting, and Finding special delight in subject matter from her experiences as disparate as travel, workshops, life’s matters and personal feelings– even her own health and hospital stays. When she talks about her work and discoveries, she radiates with the thrill of each concept. Always a self- starter, never at a loss for her next paintings, she embraces more ideas, than time should permit. Hers is a mind crowded with innovation, and too many art ideas to complete in a lifetime.

What a joy it has been knowing her first as my teacher, and then as a wonderful friend from whom I have continued to learn in on-going conversations and visits together. MWCS brilliantly selected Marilynn Derwenskus for her lifetime achievements. The depth of her abilities, passion, generosity, and spirit brings extra dimensions to this beautiful and meaningful recognition.

Julie Dawson 6-5-2022