About my paintings

A thirty year journey

Since joining @substack, I have shared a diverse portfolio of my written work: Mumbly Peg, a serialized novella adapted from my screenplay of the same name; Something to Cry About, a short story about a chapter from a late friend’s life; and many other stories. I have also shared paintings from my thirty-year career as a painter. But I haven’t talked about my work itself. What am I painting, and why?

You can view my work at http://www.marklesserart.com

In 2024, I began The Emphatic Scale, a collection inspired by a psychological tool measuring empathy with oneself and the external world. I paint the way many people practice meditation or yoga in the early morning. I start with where I am emotionally at that very moment, the present moment. The next day, I respond to the previous day’s work—enhancing, disrupting, or introducing chaos. The next day, I respond again—perhaps restoring control, only to unsettle it again.

Recent work - You can see more at http://www.marklesserart.com

At last year’s art fairs, many people asked about the circles in my work. For me, it’s more about the colors and emotions than the shapes. Some viewers find it calming, others feel deeply moved, and some shake their heads and walk away.

My artistic process is spontaneous and fueled by risk, essential for growth. Frequently, I will paint myself into a corner, and the creative solutions I use to get out of that corner are often what makes that painting work. It is a personal and honest account of my portfolio.

I've been an artist for 35 years, primarily in Los Angeles, with exhibitions across the country. In my early twenties, a vivid dream led me to create my first painting, and I’ve never stopped. Influenced by Helen Frankenthaler, Mark Rothko, and David Hockney, I also draw inspiration from travel, exploring galleries and museums worldwide. A few years ago, I attended an artist residency in Morocco and it was life changing. I have been quite prolific since that experience. My work has also been influenced by visits to Lisbon. Yes, I know it’s quite the trend, but that city has gotten into my blood. I’ve been there four times. This year, I’m excited to visit Amsterdam and Prague for the first time.