Mark Literski
I describe my work as painterly realism. The viewer can usually recognize the subjects in my work, but the buildup of paint itself and the manner in which it is applied are just as important to the final image as is the subject. I tend to lay oil paint down in thick applications, usually with palette knives. I like the way colors retain their purity with knives when I build up layers of wet paint. I spend a fair amount of time moving paint around, scraping it off and building up successive layers, until I arrive at the final image.

I’m no different from most other artists; I paint the things I like, the things I know and find interesting. Often, this means landscapes, typically but not exclusively Midwestern, both urban and rural. 

I enjoy the work of many artists.  A few influences that stand out are the light, subject matter and abstract shapes of Edward Hopper, Giorgio Morandi’s simple subjects and restrained palette, and Stuart Shils’ paint application.

Exhibitions:
Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, WI, 2005, show with Yvette Kaiser Smith, “Progression of Patterns”
Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI, 2003, solo show, “Familiar Surroundings.”
The Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND, 2002, solo show, “Take a Seat.”
Selections in Group Exhibitions at The Center for Visual Arts, Wausau, WI, 1999, 2001.  
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Juried Fine Art Exhibitions, 1998, 1999, and 2000
Best of Show Award, Primavera Art Exhibition, Wayzata, MN, 1998

Fine Arts Education:
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 1996-2000

portrait: Christopher Felver