Mark Fernandez
Artist Statement:
“My focus as an artist has always been simple. How can I represent the world around us in a way that engages the viewer. By painting both in the plein air experience and in the studio, that has helped me develop a looser handling of the paint. I strive to be “in the moment” when I paint. My painting style is more akin to poetry than to prose. Painting has demanded that I be more observant of the world around us. In doing so, I can show the viewer the beauty in the mundane, as well in the spectacular.”
Artist Biography:
Mark received a double BS degree in Art and Business in 1976 from Coe College. After graduating, Mark worked in the Jewelry Industry for four years. In 1980, Mark transitioned into the residential real estate industry and from 1989 to 2015 specialized as a residential mortgage officer. In 2002, while still in the business environment, Mark slowly redirected himself towards the art world. By 2016, Mark was fully committed to his painting career. From 2016 to 2023 Mark operated a gallery along with his wife, Laura, called “Art on Spring”. The gallery was located in Newport, RI. Mark paints primarily in oils and pastels. Mark’s paintings are both from Studio work and on location “Plein Air”. Mark’s paintings are both in private, corporate, and US Congressional collections.
Juried into the following events and organizations:
Providence Art Club as an exhibiting artist
Salmagundi Club as an exhibiting Artist
2022 Cape Anne Plein Air
2022, 2020, 2015 Wayne Plein Air
2021 Perkins Cove Plein Air event
2021 Spring Bull Gallery “Jump into Spring” Show
2020 Pastel Society of NH National Show
2020 Pastel Painters of Cape Cod National Show
2020 Connecticut Pastel Society Show
2019, 2018, 2017 Polasek Museum, Winter Park Plein Air
2019 Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival
2016 Blackstone Valley Painting Festival
2016 Newport Art Museum Members Show
Awards
Award of Excellence, 2022 Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod
Honorable Mention 2021 Spring Bull Gallery “Spring Fever” Show
“Best in Show” at 2020 Pastel Society of NH Show
Honorable Mention, “Royal Talents North America Award” 2020 Pastel Painters of Cape Cod
Award of Excellence 2017 Little Compton Art Show
Honorable Mention 2016 Conanicut Art Association
