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Growing up in Canada`s Northern Ontario, Mark`s appreciation for nature and wildlife was developed at an early age. Mark was always fascinated with colours, patterns and the textures of his surroundings. Years later, this fascination has turned into a career. In 2001, Mark became a full time wildlife artist. His medium of choice; nature itself.
"What could be more natural for a wildlife artist to paint on than materials made by Mother Nature herself?"
"What could be more natural for a wildlife artist to paint on than materials made by Mother Nature herself?"
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Mark works primarily in acrylics and has painted on anything and everything nature has to offer. That includes feathers, turkey tails, animal hides, bear claws, buffalo skulls, antlers, rocks, wood and leaves.
"The medium becomes part of the artwork. It dictates the final outcome of the piece. I just follow where it takes me."
Mark has recently added an aboriginal aspect to his art.
"I find the culture so rich and meaningful. It revolves so much around nature and wildlife and is a natural extension for my art."
"The medium becomes part of the artwork. It dictates the final outcome of the piece. I just follow where it takes me."
Mark has recently added an aboriginal aspect to his art.
"I find the culture so rich and meaningful. It revolves so much around nature and wildlife and is a natural extension for my art."
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Mark began painting in 1993 where his background in sports helped him to create paintings of athletes. Several of his paintings of NHL players were released as limited edition prints. At the time, Mark had no formal art training and decided to get serious about his craft to make it a career and enrolled in art school. Mark graduated from Advertising at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Art and Design at Niagara College in Welland as well as Multimedia Design at Niagara College. Upon graduation, Mark taught at Niagara College until 2001 when he decided to focus his full attention on his art career.
Mark travels several times a year to remote wilderness areas for research and inspiration with the forests and lakes of Northern Ontario being the focus.
" I grew up with this wilderness around me. It`s a part of me and it`s what inspires me to paint."
Mark plans to expand his travels to include the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska and eventually Africa.
As well as travelling to remote wilderness areas to study wildlife, Mark also takes part in several art exhibition and festivals each year. In 2002, Mark opened his own gallery in Port Colborne, from where he continues to paint and teach.
Mark travels several times a year to remote wilderness areas for research and inspiration with the forests and lakes of Northern Ontario being the focus.
" I grew up with this wilderness around me. It`s a part of me and it`s what inspires me to paint."
Mark plans to expand his travels to include the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska and eventually Africa.
As well as travelling to remote wilderness areas to study wildlife, Mark also takes part in several art exhibition and festivals each year. In 2002, Mark opened his own gallery in Port Colborne, from where he continues to paint and teach.
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An avid outdoorsman, Mark`s artwork has been used to raise money for wildlife conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The National Wild Turkey Federation and The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Safari Club International, The Canadain Cancer Society, Ontario March of Dimes and many others. His artwork hangs in many private collections around the world including Canada, the United States, Italy and Hong Kong.