Collection: Mark Bartlett

Mark has always been creative but didn’t really start to paint until 2007 while having treatment for OCD. Art therapy was a great calming distraction from his obsessive thoughts and was one of the ways that Mark was able to recover so well from this condition. Over the years Mark has exhibited his work in several solo and group shows and although life kept taking him away from painting regularly, the turning point came when he was invited by a friend to join South East Open Studios in 2024. That moment reignited his passion. Although, as he says he’s a perfectionist, he has learned to enjoy the results – flaws and all.

Artist Statement

“My art is inspired by the colours, shapes and textures found in nature. I work with acrylic because of its quick drying properties and the fact it easily washes off hands, which I sometimes use to paint with! I’ve never sat anywhere in public to paint (really don’t like anyone seeing my work until it’s finished) instead, I paint in my studio from photos I’ve taken while out and about”.