Manifesto
Marc’s Art Credo
I believe there is an energy, force or spirit within our planet that is Divine. Call it Gaia, Mother, nature or God. It has created this planet and continues to regulate or attempt to regulate its balance. The universe is always in a state of change. It is continuously creating new solar systems and planets and stars. We are part of this energy. Even though my human abilities and artwork falls dreadfully short, I am always striving to be part of nature's energy. It is this Divine force that I try to express in my work. It is that force that inspires me to create.
In my artistic endeavors, I feel I am an instrument of this creative energy. At times, I find my unconscious taking over. I feel at these times I tap into the “Source,” that all knowing place where space and time disappear, concurrently, I am a Human, with all of my conditioning.
Personally, I feel I’ve been a part of the evolution of Western art. Beginning with my Mother teaching me what great art is. I was infused with the artwork of the Masters at a very young age. Just like when I attempt to recreate the immense beauty of nature I also attempt to reach for the essence of the Masters. Although, my current work is Stylized Impressionism. I explore color combinations, brushwork and composition. The other side of my brain wants to evoke emotion from my work, emotions from sublime, to sad, to sexy, to melancholy, to elation.
I appreciate all forms of artwork but I'm drawn to and wish to master the art of oil painting. Oil painting allows the blending of all colors, and its silky textures, which glides onto a canvas, evoking an emotion with each brushstroke. I am always learning something new and different growing as an artist each year. I study Early California Impressionists such as Edgar Payne or William Wendt and Contemporaries such as the Colorist Dan Pinkham and lean towards realism with the influence of Jeremy Lipking. Ultimately, my greatest teacher is Nature. As life goes on I am always seeing and learning more and more of the subtle colors and light in nature. The journey my Art has taken me on has given me new depth and insight into life. I feel fortunate to have the time and means to explore my art and be able to share my feelings and experiences with others.
Marc Whitman
Marc Whitman
photo by Brandi Crockett
Marc Whitman
Photo by Brandi Crockett
Marc grew up surrounded by art. At a very early age his mother, Nancy Whitman, began introducing him to the works of the great artists of the world, thus cultivating in him a sense of beauty and a deep appreciation for the Arts. All his life Marc has pursued his artistic passions, starting out as a young cartoonist who later moved on to detailed pen and ink drawings before beginning his career as an Architect. Throughout his architectural career he has received many design awards for projects that can be seen throughout Ventura County and beyond. “I have developed my “hand” through my freehand drawings and sketches that I use to communicate to my clients.” says Marc.
Recently, Marc has expanded his artistic passions through oil painting. He paints in a naturalist style reminiscent of early California Impressionist such as William Wendt and Edgar Payne . “I like to push the colors in the landscape but stay a naturalist at the same time.”
Marc spent a summer in Florence, Italy studying at the Florence Academy of Art. He has been focusing on figures, portraits and landscapes using light and nature to guide his work. “I paint what I love and that is most of the things in nature including the human form”, Marc’s biggest influence as a painter comes from Jeremy Lipking, he has painted with him in his studio for over a year and a half using live models. “Jeremy has taught me the fineness of Fine Art,” Marc says.
Marc is in OVA Arts gallery, downtown Ojai. He’s had art shows at The Ojai Art Center, Beatrice Wood Center of the Arts, and The Ojai Valley Museum. He’s a member of the Ojai Studio Artists.