Verna Marie (Donlin) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but was raised in the New Mexico towns of Albuquerque, Roswell and Santa Fe. Her interest in art started at an early age but it was in the environment of Santa Fe that her talent started to develop. However it wasn't until after moving to California and studying with the classical realistic painter, the late Frederik Grue, that she discovered the direction she wanted to apply her talent for painting still-life and floral subjects.

Further study continued with Hal Reed and various workshops from Southern California and New Mexico artists. Today she paints a range of subjects from still-life to "plein air" landscapes.

She feels that beauty is a spiritual quality and if a person develops their spirituality, that person can put beauty into any thing. Taking workshops from other artists has helped her grow and share the knowledge that she finds from these encounters. To her, art is of the Soul.

Verna Marie is an artist member of the California Art Club and Oil Painters of America, and a Signature member of the San Fernando Valley Art Club,and a member of the Valley Artists' Guild. She has taken many awards in varied juried shows in Southern California and New Mexico, including Best of Show.