Mark Hill is an artist who stands with one foot in the Italian Renaissance and the other in the 21st century. He paints with sfumato, a style made famous by the smooth, blended works of Leonardo de Vinci. He is an instructor at the acclaimed Watts Atelier in Encinitas, California. Here he guides his students in creating representational art in both portrait and figure drawing using a variety of styles.
Marks paintings are deeply personal. "I need to get to know the person in order to have their individuality show through". There is nothing generic about his work. The subject’s most inner thoughts and feelings are expertly displayed in light of the eyes, The tilt of the head, the language of the pose.
Art is a meditation for Mark. His style of countless subtle layering demands both skill and patience. These things can not be rushed. The result is a full, deep painting reflecting many hours of development, refinement and introspection.
