An admiration for the simple life, old fashioned values and the spirit of adventure are what ignited Mark Martensen's interest in painting his vision of the Wild West. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Mark was drawn to spaghetti westerns and played cowboys and Indians as a kid. Strongly influenced by his father's easy going manner, Mark's appreciation of the old west's traditions developed artistically at an early age. "I gave my grandmother everything I painted as a child", he said, "recently she gave it all back, and I was amazed that even then all I seemed to paint were cowboys and horses." Self-taught as an artist, Mark's California roots led him first to producing a variety of artwork, ranging from airbrushing surfboards to painting murals on cars and trucks, never straying far from what he enjoyed most - just being creative. After painting a vast number of topics, ironically through time and maturity, Mark found himself coming full circle and returning to the subject he found most intriguing as a child - the Wild West. Working first in pastels, he moved to oils in the early '80's. Painting professionally since 1986, his highly acclaimed works have progressed from a photo real style to a looser, more painterly style that has captured the attention of many collectors in both the United States and abroad. At his first juried show, as a virtual unknown, he took both first place and honorable mention. Since that time, Mark has had many one man shows, participated in many group shows and received numerous awards. His paintings are exhibited all through the southwest and he is currently expanding his territory to include other regions. Mark has had numerous gallery representations in the past.
Some of which include: California; Scottsdale, Arizona; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Park City, Utah and Jackson Hole, Wyoming to name a few. Mark feels his art speaks for itself, and his passion for this period in American history is exemplified in his work. With imagination, brushstrokes and the molding of clay, he is able to reincarnate the spirit of another time. Some of his other interests include: Playing guitar, golfing, mountain biking and most of all, spending time with his wife and best friend Kerry, daughter Shannon and son Ian. With their support and belief in him, he realizes anything is possible.
Art World Gallery worked with Artist Mark Martensen for many years and carries many of his works both originals & fine art prints.
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Art World Gallery
1266 Broadway, El Cajon, California 92021, United States
Call Us at: (619) 440-1041
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