I’m Marissa, and I am a chicana artist and business owner from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. I studied business entrepreneurship and innovation at San Juan college in Farmington, New Mexico.

I have been creating art and painting since I was a child. My dad is an artist and I got to see him create growing up. While my parents worked, my sister and I stayed with my grandparents. My grandmother always saved me the big blank sheets from the newspaper so I could draw while watching cartoons after school. I also always had access to my dads art supplies and my parents even let me draw on the walls which was such a gift!

I always loved fantasy art and began studying artists like Boris Vallejo, learning the human figure. When I was older I studied watercolor under Howard Wexler in Albuquerque and he helped me see that I could pursue art as a career!

My work is inspired by the southwest landscapes and my culture. Through paint, I aim to shine a light on the importance of representation of women of color. Celebrating their strength and beauty and bringing awareness to the struggles they face.

While Living the van life I started my first business Duran’s Window Painting and became the first window painting business in Rio Rancho. I have made so many wonderful connections working with and in the community and it makes me so happy to share my art.

In my window painting business and by doing caricatures at the New Mexico State Fair, I learned how to paint fast and that brought me to live painting at weddings. I absolutely love capturing these specials moments on canvas for my couples to enjoy for years to come!

let’s bring those dreams to life!