Marian Tyson

Marian Moseley Tyson has been a sales associate with PORTRAITS, INC. since 1991, working with clients in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She has achieved outstanding sales and regards her greatest accomplishments in having had the honor of working on portrait commissions with some of our nation’s most highly esteemed artists.  She also finds great satisfaction in introducing clients to artists who are rising stars and beginning to establish national careers. In each commission, she works to understand the client’s objectives and find the perfect artist for the person to be painted. She serves as communications manager for the client through all stages of the portrait production and presentation, including framing, installation, unveiling, varnishing, and conservation advice.

A native of Alabama, Tyson graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Alabama. She moved to Durham in 1975 and completed an M.A.T. in education at UNC-CH. During her years of teaching, including teaching gifted and talented students, she was intrigued by the creative processes students applied in writing and art, problem solving, and logical thinking. Many creative decisions go into painting a portrait. She finds it a fascinating process and enjoys playing a supporting role as the artist works with the client in determining composition, gesture, and the multitude of elements that contribute to a beautiful portrait.

Marian Tyson believes that having a portrait painted is an enduring and valuable celebration of a person and his or her significance to a family, institution, or corporation. The portrait creates a visual history and a source of beauty and inspiration for the family or institution. Many people hang the portrait in a place they will pass by and enjoy viewing every day. Having portraits painted of her children and her home has created an historical legacy for her family. Her collection includes her personal portrait in pastel and collage, three oils, one pastel, one watercolor, one sculpture, and two pencil portraits.

Tyson served as Co-Director of St. Stephen’s Concert Series June 2009-January 2013. She has supported fundraisers for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Duke Children’s Hospital, Durham Academy, Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties, ARC of Orange County, Cornucopia House and Caring House.

PORTRAITS, INC is a national company representing award-winning American and international fine art portrait artists. Corporate galleries are operated in Birmingham, AL, New York, NY, and Flat Rock, NC. PORTRAITS INC was founded in 1942 in New York City.