Artist of the Week - Mark Harrison

Mark Harrison is based in Brighton and produces atmospheric oil paintings of locations around the world. He will be showing his work at the Brighton Art Fair.

What was your journey to becoming an artist?

After studying Graphic Design and Illustration at Art College I was an illustrator for 25+ years specialising in painting book jackets for most major UK and USA publishers (480+ cover illustrations). Stopped in 2005 to paint personal work for sale in UK galleries.

Is being an artist your only job?

Yes!

One favourite living artist?

Too many to mention. I guess Jeremy Mann is the nearest. I love his painterly approach to landscape and figures.

One favourite historical artist?

Alfons Mucha probably my favourite. A master of drawing and painting. Closely followed by John Singer Sargent.

If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

I've never considered it!

Who is your style icon?

?
Last book / film that blew your mind?
No time to read books! Film - Life Of Pi

Last gig you went to?

Sigur Ros at The Eden Project

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?

Not too bad, half an hour?

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Bali or Italy. I know Bali very well and one can live there in some style at low cost. It is also very easy for a Westerner to live there, good infrastructure and near the emerging Asian economies. Italy, maybe more realistic, love the country, food, language.

Where and what is your studio?

A large room in my flat with good storage space and overhead natural light.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Inseparable, which I think it has to be to be an artist.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?

I would go crazy if I wasn't painting

What would your dream commission be?

Wealthy client asks me to paint his beautiful home, preferably abroad, with new exciting connections resulting.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?

Solo show in prestigious London gallery, Mayfair or St James's for instance. Messums?