Drawing ability is one thing that sets me apart from many artists. I have been called a “good technician” by another artist who was my instructor. For many years I have painted and drawn what I see for the purpose of creating a likeness. I am beyond that now. Technical expertise is good to have, it is necessary. But it is not art. Art is from the soul. I have been humbled by many who are less technically proficient than I.

“Mark Marino commands respect as an artist. He is little known but definitely a fine talent. Upon being introduced to his art at a one-man show in Wyoming I got a chance to see first hand the raw talent this man possesses. We were sitting at my kitchen table as I was describing a recent incident where three local cowboys were trying to corral and rope a moose in a graveyard and the rodeo that ensued. I watched in amazement as the scene materialized in ballpoint ink before my eyes! It was not just a funny drawing; it was the fluid lines—and so few of them! It was the composition, the grace, the correctness of the perspective, the accuracy of the proportions of the men and animals. It happened so quickly it was like he sprayed it on the paper! —and it was easy for him. I realized I had witnessed something special. This man can see with his mind. But more amazingly, he can catch inspiration, and draw from what must be an amazing bank of visual memories, and then transfer those memories through his hand to paper! No visual reference, just his mind! I have the drawing, which he traded for a bottle of single-malt scotch as a gift for his mother. I got the better deal.”
--Judge Hon. Sam

Something has changed in me. I don’t care about doing pretty paintings anymore. I want to paint with passion. It should be childlike, as simple as choosing a color because of how it feels, rather than how accurately it portrays the light

Art Gallery