Art Show – Mark Witzling

My journey as an artist has evolved from representational oil painting toward pure abstraction. I became fascinated with abstract expressionism as a way to express myself creatively. To be “in the zone”. Painting is a solitary process and I find it meditative, and at times almost a form of prayer.

My source of inspiration is truly multi-layered. Intellectually, I tackle intangible concepts while technically I am visually building up layers of oil paint and excavating back into the layers to bring forth contrasts of colors and textures. While painting, I rarely use traditional brushes, instead working with a variety of tools like pastry scrapers, brayers, sticks, and even old credit cards to activate the surface. The result is often bold, sometimes subtle, and always, at least to me, optimistic, delightful, and engaging.

Much of my current work addresses the statement “Truth Matters”, exploring the loss of fact and truth in public discourse, exemplified physically by layers of paint obscuring deeper underlying layers yet always exposing enough to let us know the truth lies beneath.

I am pleased to have my work selected to appear at the Museum of Encaustic Art in Santa Fe in 2019. My work was published in the book Cold Wax Medium – Techniques, Concepts, Conversations, and in 2018 was selected to complete an artist residency in Orquevaux, France. I am always willing to talk about my work. Please feel welcome to contact me (www.markwitzlingart.com).

There will be a reception for Mark Witzling December 8, from 12:30-2:30 pm in the Foyer.  The Ethical Society will exhibit some of his work from December 8 through January 19.