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Reflections on the Lake
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MyCastroValley
Featured Artist
Mark G. Mertens
I
was born in 1947 and grew up in western Montana. My interest in art started at
an early age, drawing images of the rugged landscape near my home. I moved to
the bay area in 1971, enrolling in extension classes at California College of
Arts and Crafts. I studied still life and figurative drawing and painting with
David Hardy, Doug Restivo, Anthony Holdsworth, Sally Park and Robert Semans. In
the last five years I have focused on pastel, studying portraiture with Fran
Erwin and Daniel Greene, and landscapes with Duane Wakeham and Clark Mitchell.
My
work is rooted in realist traditions: careful draftsmanship and observation are
practiced. I seek to capture the effects of light on color. I aim for variety in
realism, which combines soft, diffused, even abstract images, with sharper,
focused images, so that the viewer participates in the art.
I
work on white Wallis pastel paper, toned MiTientes paper, or white watercolor
paper prepared with grit. White paper is first covered with a thin oil wash. I
begin with a loose sketch, usually done with warm colors of hard pastels. When
Wallis or watercolor paper is used, the sketch is then washed down with paint
thinner. After this dries, I apply layers of progressively softer pastel. Some
colors are blended, but the final colors consist of rich, soft pastels that are
directly applied.
Over the past six years, I have shown in group exhibitions and juried
competitions, receiving several awards for pastel landscapes. My pastels are in
collections in the bay area. I am an associate member of the Pastel Society of
the West Coast, and member of Group 95, California Art Club, Hayward Arts
Council and ART Inc. I reside in Castro Valley with my wife.
You may contact Mark at his Studio.
Please call 510-538-9883
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