Featured Artist Mark Witzling

Artist Mark Witzling uses bold, contrasting color and texture to add depth to each painting, and evoke the viewer’s response. Enjoy his portfolio.

“In The Corners Of My Mind” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 18” x 18”

I have evolved in my journey as an artist from representational oil painting to pure abstraction. I find that the art of the abstract expressionists, with regard to oil painting, is how I wish to express myself creatively.

“A Good Night’s Sleep” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 24” x 18”

I love the feeling of being “in the zone.” Painting is a solitary process and I find it to be meditative, at times almost a form of prayer.

“Winter Arrival” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 12” x 12”

My source of personal inspiration is multi-layered. I am certainly inspired by the landscape, yet intellectually I frequently try to tackle intangible concepts in my paintings.

“Core To My Being” Oil and Mixed Media on Arches Oil Paper, 18” x 24”

For example, concepts such as truth in our community dialogue and memories as a shaper of personality are fascinating topics to me. They bring forth a wealth of ideas for abstract creative expression.

“Little White Lies” Oil and Mixed Media on Arches Oil Paper, 24” x 24”

Technically, I love using strong color to evoke response, visually building up layers of oil paint and then excavating back down to bring forth a contrast of colors, value and textures. My paintings create a powerful sense of depth.

“Truth Rising” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 30” x 30”

I began to focus on the technique of painting with oil and malleable cold wax medium as a fulfilling way of achieving the effects I am seeking and to bring out my personal creative visions.

“Ancient Memory” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 24” x 24”

I will often use graphite and other materials to create interesting marks as part of my process. While painting, I rarely use traditional paint brushes. Instead, I work with a variety of tools like pasty scrapers, rollers, sticks, and even old credit cards to apply and move paint around the surface.

“Fire Inside” Oil and Mixed Media on Cradled Panel, 8” x 10”

The result is often bold, sometimes subtle, and always (at least to me) optimistic, delightful, and engaging.

“Gift Of Nature” Oil and Mixed Media on Arches Oil Paper, 12” x 24”

Painting abstractly exposes the artist, and embracing this vulnerability requires a leap of faith in self. I think my art journey has made me a stronger human being. One of my personal mottos has become “strength in humility.”

“Waves Breaking” Oil and Mixed Media on Arches Oil Paper, 9.5” x 7.5”

My commissioned works involve close conversation with collectors to determine the appropriate color palette and desired outcome of the abstract work. Collecting art is personal, so I do respond personally to all inquiries.

Artist Mark Witzling with “Brewing Up A Storm” Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas, 60″ x 48″

I’m based in St. Louis, Missouri, but my paintings have been shown and collected nationally and internationally. I am pleased to have my work appear in the recently (2107) published book Cold Wax Medium–Techniques, Concepts, Conversations and my art has been featured in both print and television.

Artist Mark Witzling invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Link to Carolyn’s original article here.