Marvin Yates was born in Jackson, TN and later moved to Memphis. From childhood he was interested in art. He graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA and started painting. While working as Art Director at the Commercial Appeal he started seriously pursuing painting at a higher level.
He has always been intrigued with light and the contrasts that it causes. He tries to capture the depth and color it creates in his paintings. To start with a white surface and work through the process of drawing, composition and painting is a challenging adventure to Yates.
In contemplating on why he paints, Yates says, “We have glimpses of God’s glory all around us, all the time, everywhere we go, and we so often overlook the Creator. In attempting to capture the fullness of God’s creation, I fall short; but the journey of searching deepens my understanding of what a great God I serve.”