Featured Artist Mark Armstrong

Artist Mark Armstrong presents a compelling portfolio of semi-abstract portraits and figurative paintings. Visit this link to view more of his work.

 

 

Born and raised in England, I took a keen interest in the art that came out of the cities I grew up and lived around—Birmingham and Bristol. This urban art, popularized by the likes of Banksy, endeavored to blend the fine art techniques with the raw street art.

 

 

I am influenced by masters such as Sargent, Turner, Van Gogh, early Picasso and modern-day artists such as Christian Hook, Jake Evans Wood, Ian Francis, Diarmuid Kelley, Francois Bard and Conor Harrington.

 

 

From a very young age I had a fascination for art. Long before I developed any artistic abilities, I would make people, such as my parents, friends and even visitors, draw for me. I would hold up a picture and say “Draw this for me.” I was quite a taskmaster, as I would make them start over again if they made any errors.

 

 

Before long, I began to develop my own artistic abilities. My family and friends bought me books on art, which I devoured. I was fascinated the most by the human form. This has stayed with me until today.

 

 

I am not only driven by my passion to create art, but also the need to convey flair and originality in my work. I have found that realism is a great measure of ability and a developer of technique but I am determined to take my art further—the figure and the portrait—to a semi-abstract level. I never know how far I can push it without compromising the technique.

 

 

I enjoy experimenting with the classic fine art figure or portrait and mixing it up using different mediums, thus giving it a unique twist, differing it from the traditional.

 

 

Although on many occasions I have been asked to rein in my creativity when doing commissions, I find that I still want to achieve something unusual, and I easily get carried away. The truth is, I like to feel a connection with my subject. I experience awe when I realize they are watching me creating them on canvas. I like to paint them to look like so much more than what is on the surface, whether I am painting from life or from a photo.

 

 

I have stood in national galleries of art around the world and found paintings that not only do I like to look at, but I also enjoy the way they make me feel. I stand in front of these paintings and I feel the electricity buzz inside me. This feeling is what I am chasing when I am creating, although it is hard to achieve.

 

 

Each piece is a journey. I start with a plan and an idea. Sometimes I follow this plan. Often the paintings develop their own story and path, which I am compelled to follow. This sometimes makes me anxious, as I don’t know where it will finish and whether or not I will like the result. Because of this, I try not to have too much of a developed, set idea when I begin. I find that if I keep it vague and follow the road I am being led down, that those pieces give me the most satisfaction.

 

 

The conversations I have with myself while painting are never dull and are often very antagonistic. I generally start out ensuring that technically it looks right, then, as I progress, I look for boundaries to push. This helps me continuously develop and grow as an artist.

 

Artist Mark Armstrong invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Subscribe to our twice-monthly Updates, and get a free e-book on Where to Sell Art Online right now!