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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 traditionally by its
highly detailed finish in graphite and colour
pencil. Described as photorealistic expressionism.
Watercolour and other paints have added to and
changed the style and character of his work more
recently and made it more diverse.
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 |
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instinctive and part of him. The work runs 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 it 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 is the way. I always keep my camera
ready for old structures and what could be
interesting as art. I discard many ideas along the
way."
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