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Mark
grew up near Derby, and apart from going to study
design and work formatively in Sheffield, he has
stayed around the inspiring landscape of the Peak
District. The rural settings are a tonic and these
are reflected in his work. His rustic themed
pictures were not conscious when he started out on
animal portraiture. His first animal studies were
commissioned.
You can spot Mark's work by its highly detailed
finish in pencil and colour pencil. Described as
photorealistic expressionism and now featured in a
number of magazines, his work is growing in
reputation and interest in the UK and abroad.
Mark’s background has shaped his approach. His
drawing skills are entirely self-taught and were
developed before he had any formal tuition.
However, his interest in photography and the
influence of his HND in graphic design and
illustration have refined his eye for image
creation and composition.
Mark's design background has never left him and
his widening love for all things skilled and
considered. There is an open minded if not
intriguingly fastidious way about his work. Mark's
love of the designed approach is more than an
illustrative way, but it has led him to have a
considered approach that is instinctive and part
of him. The work runs |
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deep in thought before it starts and is
about a technical mindfulness. A whole
evaluation flows naturally into the work.
Mark is inspired primarily by the humour of
animals. He looks for a thought or idea to
attach to the animal, the setting is usually to
heighten the idea. Floating
hair, seeds or dust to add atmosphere
are important extras subtly used. He visualises
the idea and its adaptations in his head whilst
gathering the source material. The idea might
happen immediately or take months of thought.
“Photorealism isn't a simple process when I make
it more complicated by not just using my working
photography and any brief sketches. I like to
trouble over crafting and I can't help but refine,
its just my personality. I tinker but don't
agonise where possible. The madness comes when a
composition could work a few ways, its not a bad
thing though to trouble over this!".
Architectural studies came later with Mark's
increasing love for how art can be a built
structure in decline. "A process of keeping an
ever open eye like his animal work is beneficial.
I always keep my camera ready for old structures
and what could be interesting. I discard many
ideas
along the way."
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