Oil paintings by Marsha Heimbecker are featured at Portola Art Gallery in May

 “Kissed by a Prince — Works Inspired by the Orphaned Elephants of Tsavo and a Good Life,” — oil paintings by Marsha Heimbecker — are featured at the Portola Art Gallery in May. Marsha’s paintings are known for their bold brushwork and color, resulting in a unique vitality that captures the essence of varied scenes.

A reception will take place Saturday, May 2, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. In addition, visitors can meet the artist at the gallery on May 1, 6, 10, 22, and 30, or by appointment.

Originally a bio-engineer with degrees from UC Berkeley and MIT, Marsha underwent a heart transplant in 2001. She had always shown an aptitude for art in addition to science, and after her surgery, she found art to be “very helpful in the healing process.”

She credits many years of classical training in life drawing, portraiture, and anatomy for her distinctive style. Using a harmonious palette of colors, she enjoys stretching her imagination to express the beauty, color, and energy in what she sees.

The Portola Art Gallery is open Monday to  Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Gallery is located within the Allied Arts Guild at 75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park.

Painting shown is Imagine.