The textures, shadows, and light on the landscape inspire me to capture the individual personality of each scene. Through the inherent transparent quality of watercolor I am able to depict the beauty and details to a satisfactory level of finish.

Art has always been a part of Al Marra's life. His formal education began with two scholarship awards to Parson's School of Design in New York City, where he graduated with honors. Upon graduation he accepted a position with Cartier designing jewelry.

After a tour of duty in the Korean War, Al continued his art education at the University of Bridgeport, CT in the Industrial Design Group. He worked in the private sector with Westinghouse and then Philco-Ford until 1976 when he was offered a newly created position for Industrial Design with the Justice Department's Federal Prison Industries.

Upon retirement from the government in 1997, he further developed his watercolor interest and expertise through membership in the Fairfax Art League and the Vienna Art League in VA. He also was accepted into the Washington Society of Landscape Painters.

His work has been shown at the Moser Gallery in Fairfax, VA; Rock Creek Gallery in DC; in the Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg, MD. Through the Fairfax Art League shows, he has received a Merit Award and a People's Choice Award. He was also Artist of the Month at the Fairfax Art League.