MARK YARDLEY PROFILE
Mark was born in England in 1974 and went on to spend his childhood growing up in Africa. He graduated from Swansea University in 1999 with (BA Hons) in general Illustration having previously obtained a BTEC HND in Wildlife Illustration.
Mark has subsequently established himself as a freelance artist, specialising in natural history and wildlife painting. His work predominantly focuses on subjects reclaimed by nature, such as old abandoned fishing boats, rusted chains and even the door latches of shoreline beach huts. He likes to zoom in on these subjects choosing interesting areas where paint may be peeling and patterns may be forming. He has a keen eye for the uneven texture and muted tones of eroded objects; in 2009 Aquarelle Magazine noted Mark’s ‘highly developed attention to detail ‘ and his, ‘experienced eye for a remarkable composition’.
Mark often spends time on the Norfolk coast vising places such as Burnham Overy Staithe, Brancaster Staithe and the beautifull Holkham Bay. He also regularly visits seaside towns such as Aldeburgh and Southwold, on the Suffolk coast to sketch and photograph subjects. He later interprets these drafts back in his Norfolk based studio. Marks work has been selected hung and sold in several renowned art competitions, including The Eastern Open and the Parker Harris Discerning Eye art competition held at the Mall Galleries, London.
As a child Mark often visited the game reserves of Zimbabwe, and in particular Mana Pools National Park, it was these experiences that inspired his African wildlife series of paintings.
In response to frequent requests, Mark has reproduced many of his popular paintings as greetings cards, available in many shops throughout East Anglia. He has also diversified into producing mugs (ceramic and bone china) as well as a series of slate coasters from his artwork.
Currently based in the historic market town of Wymondham near Norwich, Mark spends time searching for new subjects to photograph and paint.