Her first art classes came as a freshman in high-school, but ended after one year when she moved to a small town. She worked on her own until graduation, winning a tuition scholarship in Commercial Art to the University
of SD
at Vermillion.
Two years later, she married and raised a family.
In 1959, she took oil painting classes a local art group.
Since then, she has continued to take workshops and even enrolled for a semester on acrylics at a nearby Community College
.
She also worked for the government as an Artist-Illustrator and did volunteer scenery scenery painting at a summer playhouse, demonstrated art techniques for seniors at a local High School
that had no art teacher and also created stage sets, props, wall murals and costume designs for 8 years of musical productions there. An injury in 1986 curtailed many of her activities, but in 1997 she returned to art, taking classes in pastel, pen and ink and the challenge of mixed media while also resuming her efforts to improve what she had learned earlier.
Though never turning professionalm she still attends workshops and paints under the name M.R. Falls, using a variety of mediums, usually choosing what she feels best suits the subject matter,
She is most comfortable with acrylics, oils and a combination of colored and watercolor pencils, but admits watercolor often frustrates her. Painting under the name M.R. Falls, she uses a variety of mediums, usually choosing what she feels best suits the subject matter, She has no favorite subject matter, but finds portraits the greatest challenge.
She has a realistic approach to art, preferring traditional to more modern techniques. Not a prolific painter, she often takes months to finish a painting, while also working on other creative projects in the interim.
Regarding creativity as a challenge to both mind and body, she says,“You begin by considering something that doesn’t yet exist and then, physically, making it happen. In trying something new, you rid yourself of old habits and you grow as an artist."
She hopes her finished work will give those who view it a sense of the world's diverse beauty.
Not just what’s here now, but what once was and what still can be.
If it brings them the memory of a cherished moment in their past or suggests a positive possibility for their future that’s even better.”