First Visit to the Farm - Mark Arian - ArtBeats 1991 - Framed Print - 12"H x 16"W

First Visit to the Farm - Mark Arian - ArtBeats 1991 - Framed Print - 12"H x 16"W

Mark Arian is an American artist

As a child, he poured over books on animals and then carefully drew the pictures freehand, one of his most captivating memories was when a teacher taught him to draw a rowboat in perspective. This first experience with Realism launched him towards what would become his greatest artistic passion to date.

One of the most significant artistic turning points in his development came was viewing the original work of the Dutch 17th century master, Rembrandt, for the first time. He had came upon a painting that shocked him as thoroughly as it thrilled him.

At the age of 21, Arian took the vows of a monk and was granted the same rare opportunity to create art that Michelangelo once had to be sponsored by a religious organization to cultivate their artistic genius. For almost 2 decades, Arian painted seven days a week, 10 hours a day.

During his travels abroad, he was captivated by the work of 18th century British painter J.W. Waterhouse, a Romantic Classicist with a love for legend and mystery.

After returning to America, Arian spent the next several years as Art Director for the Palace of Gold in Wheeling

For almost a decade, Arian focused on painting nostalgia scenes. Often compared to the American illustrator Norman Rockwell, he painted scenes that were endearing and idyllic, and frequently included his two growing sons as subjects.