The Artist
Mark Evans
BACKGROUND
25+ year artistic void:
Life's course often travels in unexpected directions! Raising a family, work as an executive in the Wine Industry and life in general seems to have gotten in the way of my painting efforts and I went without painting for some 25 years. In 2008, I rediscovered my love for painting and combined my passions (art and wine) and completed Titans of Shiraz, a large canvas ("36"x"48) format of wine bottles in an ultra realism style.
Early years:
My love for painting started when I was a sophomore in high school, with some initial encouragement (and astonishment) from my parents and art teacher Mr. Cameron. From the beginning, I started painting animals in the realism style. I suppose I was heavily influenced by the animal artwork throughout my parents home, their love of animals (especially our dogs) and my own affinity for things of detail. The highlight was winning a Best of Show in a Nor Cal art show with my Big Horn Sheep!
Midlife artistic rebirth:
After painting my golden Ginger and seeing the her personality jump off the canvas, a spark was lit and I slowly began to paint a few canvases a year during weekends and late at night. The last few years I've been fortunate enough to have been commissioned to do several paintings and now regularly paint as part of my weekly work regime. I really love producing paintings for family, friends and anybody who wants a piece of artwork specially painted for themselves or a loved one - whether that be a pet portrait, favorite landscape or still life.
Titans of Shiraz~ 2008
Big Horn Sheep ~ 1979
Ginger ~ 2010
PROCESS
My painting process usually involves four to five different "layers" of various pencil, acrylic and oil applications.
First step ~ A charcoal drawing to get all the dimensions and perspectives correct.
Second step ~ An acrylic application to establish the color schemes and pigment blending.
Third, fourth & fifth steps ~ 2-3 layers are applied depending on the levels of detail that the piece requires and whether it is acrylic or oil based.
For portraits I work from photos as my usual canine subjects don't necessarily like to sit and poise. I can work from a single photograph if that is the shot that a client wants or can work from multiple shots and work towards creating a angle/perspective that is desired. I also can do live or photo based still life, as well as Plein Aire style landscapes.
FEES
I work on a commission basis and base my fee on the number of hours it takes to complete a particular painting. The factors used in determining my commission fees are:
1. Size of canvas (square inch area)
2. Medium that is used (Acrylic or Oil), with oils being more complex to paint
3. Detail level that is applied to the piece, which is either detailed or highly detailed
I will be happy to provide an estimate within 24 hours, if you email me your ideas, specifying:
1. Size
2. Whether oil or acrylic
3. Level of detail you desire
4. At least one photo of the subject
Payment is 50% in advance of any work that I start and 50% upon delivery final artwork. Please note I do am happy to provide photos of progress that allows for feedback on general direction and feedback on how a particular painting is developing. Acceptable forms of payment are Paypal, Venmo or Zelle, Visa or Mastercard.
Shipping is an additional charge and fee vary depending on type required.