Marisa Rother Studio

I work in collage using papers that I find in my travels with handmade painted papers that I draw on with crayon, pencil, or ink. I’m a fan of using contrasting textures and patterns, and incorporating old photographs into my work. Subjects that interest me are anything nautical or ocean-themed, animals, spooky Halloween, and secluded cozy houses.

I’m always down for an adventure and love exploring new places any chance I can get. On my travels I bring my favorite art supplies with me to capture what I see. Usually that consists of a sketchbook, my favorite mini watercolor set, collage materials, crayons, ink, and colored pencils. If I’m feeling ambitious and have more time, I’ll bring my french easel or pochade box on a tripod to work larger. I’m very inspired by the beauty of the natural world and love the feeling of peace I get being immersed in nature.

I find that I remember a place infinitely better if I’ve done an art piece there. The moments spent studying my subject give me vivid memories of the sights, sounds, and smells of a place.

*Bison Herd in Hayden Valley* / **Yellowstone National Park, WY**

*Kelp and Barnacles at Low Tide* / **Vinalhaven, ME**

*Thuya Garden* / **Northeast Harbor, ME**

Old Faithful Geyser / **Yellowstone National Park, WY**

*The Painted Ladies* / **San Francisco, CA**

*Mount Megunticook* *- Ocean Lookout* / **Camden, ME**

*Moose Skull @ Maine Primitive Skills School* / **Augusta, ME**

*Plant Studies at Point Mugu State Park* / **Malibu, CA**

*Washington Irving’s House* / **Sleepy Hollow, NY**

*Wildflower Bouquet* / **Philipsburg, MT**

*Officer’s Row Houses* / **Sandy Hook, NJ**

*Lobster Fishing Dock* / **Cape Porpoise, ME**

*Barnegat Lighthouse* / **Long Beach Island, NJ**

*Mussels* / **Island Beach State Park, NJ**

*Thornhill Broome Beach* / **Malibu, CA**

*The Judge’s Shack* / **Island Beach State Park, NJ**

*The Old Dutch Church* / **Sleepy Hollow, NY**

*Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park* / **Anaconda, MT**

@marisarotherstudio

Marisa’s grandfather introduced her to the magic of drawing at a young age, and the joy of creating has been with her ever since. Growing up by the Jersey Shore, coastal themes often make their way into her work through the use of bold colors and textures.

When she's not in the studio, Marisa enjoys sketching and painting outdoors on location with her travel watercolor set. As a passionate plein air artist, she is constantly seeking to capture the beauty of nature - whether it’s the rugged coasts of Maine, the wide-open landscapes of Montana, or her beloved Jersey Shore. For Marisa, painting outdoors is a chance to be fully present in the moment and connect with her surroundings—a meditative experience that offers a unique sense of calm in a world full of distractions.

Marisa’s creative process is all about spontaneity and joy. Adventure and intuition guide her work, and she’s always open to trying new techniques, materials, and ways to bring her ideas to life. She’s a collector at heart, always on the hunt for old photos, fabrics, and vintage paper ephemera at estate sales and flea markets—treasures that often find their way into her mixed-media creations.

Marisa received her BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University in snowy upstate New York before diving into the world of publishing. For the past seven years she’s worked as a designer at HarperCollins Publishers where she creates playful, colorful books for children.

When she’s not making art, Marisa loves dancing and trying new recipes. She believes that creativity should be fun and limitless.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE:
The Cherry Street Pier
2025-2026
Philadelphia, PA

DAY JOB:
Children’s Book Designer
HarperCollins Publishers

EDUCATION:
BFA in Illustration
Syracuse University

EXHIBITIONS:
2023 Art of the Flower
Philadelphia Sketch Club
Philadelphia, PA
April 2nd - April 23rd, 2023

Philllustration 13
Philadelphia Sketch Club
Philadelphia, PA
October 9th - November 6th, 2022