Bernard Marks
Artist's Statement
"While I was primarily a figurative painter at one time, my work gained a new focus after I moved to the Southwest in 2003 and began spending more time doing plein air painting. I'm especially inspired by the long vistas one experiences in the West. I appreciate the variety of colors, shapes and textures, especially in New Mexico, where I live. I would describe my work as "idealized reality." At least that's what I strive for. If you compared one of my paintings to the actual scene that inspired it, you would have no trouble making the connection. But I believe you would also recognize what I've brought to the scene, which is a product of my emotional reaction, past experiences and color sense. Originally I chose watercolor as my painting medium because I love the spontaneity of the medium. More recently I have been painting in acrylics and have found the range of expression and flexibility of the medium very exciting. I generally start each painting, whether plein air or in the studio, with a quick thumbnail sketch. Then I do a loose drawing on my support, which may be canvas, gesso board or paper. Once I start painting, I try to work very quickly and intuitively. Painting is an endless challenge, with many frustrations as well as satisfactions. I believe a serious artist should always be striving for that elusive quality that can best be described as "poetry."
