Much influenced by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Hans Hofmann, Arshile Gorky and Louise Nevelson, Marjorie Lee Eaton lived primarily in New York City and earned a reputation for modernist figural work with bold lines, strong color, and Cubist influence.

She studied in Europe and from 1928 to 1932 and 1934 to 1937, lived in Taos, New Mexico, having been invited by her friend and art patron Mabel Dodge Luhan. Of Taos, Eaton said "she found her soul . . . when I first saw the Indians in the Navajo's rising hills." In her depiction of them, she strove to give the viewer a sense of the emotion of the person. Her most frequent model was Juan Mirabel, son of the Taos chief, and their relationship was the subject of much speculation.

Born in California on Feb. 5, 1901. While living in San Francisco in 1923-32, Eaton studied at the California School of Fine Arts as well as the Art Students League in New York.

Later she pursued a career as an actress and painted in her leisure. She died at her home in Palo Alto, CA on April 21, 1986.

Exhibited: Monterey Peninsula Industries & Arts Expo, 1923; SFAA, 1928-31.

Source:
Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
California Arts and Architecture list, 1932; Death record.