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Mark has drawn since he could hold a pencil and studied
painting in high school on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and college in
the Boston area. Early influences include Paul Georges, the monumental
figurative painter, and sculptor Peter Grippe, well known in the
New York art scene.
He
received a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and came
to California in 1985 to work in Laguna Beach in the profession.
In
1998, Mark renewed his passion for art and was influenced by attending
life drawing sessions at Laguna College of Art, a workshop at the
Fechin Institute in Taos with Sherrie McGraw, and workshops by Laguna
Beach painter Ken Auster.
Mark’s
paintings are of landscape themes primarily, beaches and coastlines,
roads, alleys, and agrarian scenes. Some pieces he considers like
historical documents in that they illustrate areas that have since
been developed or are slated for imminent development. Currently
he is exploring interesting compositions with some amount of narrative
content. He likes using strong contrast, vibrant colors, and loose,
spontaneous brushwork. Although he paints mostly in his studio rather
than outside, he attempts to paint in the plein-air style usually
in sizes that are typically larger than one would do on-location.
Mark’s background as a Landscape Architect has influenced
his artistic vision significantly. He says that Landscape Architecture
and painting have much in common, one is painting landscape on canvas,
the other is painting landscape on the land. With one you build
your own world and with the other you work within the “real”
world.
His
work is held by numerous private collectors.
Grew
up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Resided in Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel, CA since 1985.
Attended
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA with a BA in Fine Arts, 1978.
Attended the University of Massachusetts, receiving a Master of
Landscape Architecture degree in 1984.
Member
of the Laguna Plein-Air Painters Association and California Art
Club.
Exhibitor at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach since 2001.
Current Gallery Representation
Portico Gallery in Montecito
www.porticofineart.com
Mark’s Website
www.landpainter.com |
