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W E L C O M E
This is the studio of painter Mark Jackson
Ume ga saku
An abstract forest landscape painting that's named after a Japanese saying that translates to 'the plums are blossoming'.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
At The Ponds
The men’s bathing pond on Hampstead heath is a summer institution for London’s gay community. It’s a safe space to show off and soak up the sun, and you’ll always bump into someone you know.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
Exquisite Thing
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic"
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
We Are Golden
There's an inner light we all share (maybe I'm doing too much yoga) and I wanted to celebrate that with this work.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
People Say I'm Lazy
Time on your own. A precious moment connecting with nature in an urban landscape. We all need it.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
Breathe It In
Part of my 'Socks' series.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
Blond Socks
Part of my 'Socks' series.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
Winter's Prince
A Nordic mountain god pounds the ice in fury. There's something so appealing about his frosty solitude.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
Ume ga saku
An abstract forest landscape painting that's named after a Japanese saying that translates to 'the plums are blossoming'.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
At The Ponds
The men’s bathing pond on Hampstead heath is a summer institution for London’s gay community. It’s a safe space to show off and soak up the sun, and you’ll always bump into someone you know.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
Exquisite Thing
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic"
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
We Are Golden
There's an inner light we all share (maybe I'm doing too much yoga) and I wanted to celebrate that with this work.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
People Say I'm Lazy
Time on your own. A precious moment connecting with nature in an urban landscape. We all need it.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
Breathe It In
Part of my 'Socks' series.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
Blond Socks
Part of my 'Socks' series.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
Winter's Prince
A Nordic mountain god pounds the ice in fury. There's something so appealing about his frosty solitude.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
Ume ga saku
An abstract forest landscape painting that's named after a Japanese saying that translates to 'the plums are blossoming'.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
At The Ponds
The men’s bathing pond on Hampstead heath is a summer institution for London’s gay community. It’s a safe space to show off and soak up the sun, and you’ll always bump into someone you know.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
Exquisite Thing
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic"
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
We Are Golden
There's an inner light we all share (maybe I'm doing too much yoga) and I wanted to celebrate that with this work.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
People Say I'm Lazy
Time on your own. A precious moment connecting with nature in an urban landscape. We all need it.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
Breathe It In
Part of my 'Socks' series.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
Blond Socks
Part of my 'Socks' series.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
Winter's Prince
A Nordic mountain god pounds the ice in fury. There's something so appealing about his frosty solitude.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
Ume ga saku
An abstract forest landscape painting that's named after a Japanese saying that translates to 'the plums are blossoming'.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
Plum trees blossom in late winter, often whilst snow is still on the ground, so it's said give strength to others to hang in there and see out their struggles to the good times ahead.
I used a fairly restricted palette with this one to evoke a wintry landscape. I love the warmth that emanates from the plumb trees amidst all that chill. Plus, it feels pleasingly subversive that the figure is dressed for summer. With his face hidden from us, our focus is repeatedly drawn to the blossom.
At The Ponds
The men’s bathing pond on Hampstead heath is a summer institution for London’s gay community. It’s a safe space to show off and soak up the sun, and you’ll always bump into someone you know.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
This work is a tribute to the many happy days I’ve spent there. I wanted the colours, the pose and the looseness of the brush work to resonate with a lazy joy.
Exquisite Thing
"Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic"
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
- The Picture of Dorian Gray,
Oscar Wilde.
This book by Oscar Wilde mesmerised me when I was younger. It spoke to me on many levels, but what I particularly loved was how - in a strikingly modern way - it portrayed a nuanced and layered queer character.
Dorian wants what everyone else wants, he dreams and yearns like the rest of us.
With this painting I wanted to capture a scene that is both exquisite yet dubious. Is there a touch of melancholy behind his languidness?
We Are Golden
There's an inner light we all share (maybe I'm doing too much yoga) and I wanted to celebrate that with this work.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
Loved abstracting the landscape. Using stripes, I've tied together the background sky and the foreground. For me, the palette is quite surprising - almost jarring - but I think it gives the piece an unusual energy.
People Say I'm Lazy
Time on your own. A precious moment connecting with nature in an urban landscape. We all need it.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
An abstract figurative landscape painting inspired by a lyric from John Lennon's song 'Watching The Wheels', with this painting I wanted to explore the assumption that young men are layabouts and idle. To challenge that perceived delinquency.
As Lennon's song beautifully points out, it's ok just to be an observer and take it all in.
Breathe It In
Part of my 'Socks' series.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
The large physical scale of this work allowed me to fully explore the bracing joy of its subject. He takes a moment to appreciate why, where and who he is in that very moment. His undressed state emphasises his freedom, his head tilted back in satisfaction.
The poppy, acidic palette infuses the painting with a distinct modernity that I really like. And then there are the stripes, three ways. I'm fascinated how stripes can structure a space in a painting.
Blond Socks
Part of my 'Socks' series.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
This work was fun to paint. Originally part of a larger canvas, I decided to concentrate on this part of the scene so cut it out and re-framed it. This focusing process made the subject even more interesting to me - is he aware he's being observed? Is that coyness we see or peaceful languidness?
Much like 'Breathe It In', I used a fairly monochrome but striking colour palette and the wonderfully expressive structure of stripes.
Winter's Prince
A Nordic mountain god pounds the ice in fury. There's something so appealing about his frosty solitude.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
With this piece I wanted to focus on different mark making.
The rapid and sharp triangulation of the background landscape, the creamy texture of the ice fields and the cloud-like luminescence of the god himself.
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