Interview

Aug 18

Mark Shevetone

Born in Beacon NY, Mark is an artist based in Las Vegas, who is known for his impressionist paintings that capture people, places and the events in his life. Timeless and tasteful, or modern and messy, images in his life demand to be examined. Mark often uses acrylic paint to create highly textured, three- dimensional works on canvas.

Mark’s paintings burst with energy, life and texture, beckoning the viewer to engage with the same wonderment he experienced as a child. You can find Mark’s artwork across Las Vegas in restaurants, wineries and local galleries. When Mark’s not working, he’s spending time with his wife, Alicia, and their English bulldog, Belma, hoping to capture the next expression to put on canvas.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“A graduate of San Jose State’s art program, my first influence was my great uncle, Alfred Pizzarelli, an artist from New York City in the 1950s-60s. When admiring my uncle’s wonderful paintings, I would daydream about the people he painted, and interpret their expressions and colorful surroundings. My paintings are meant to burst with energy, life and texture, beckoning the viewer to engage with the same wonderment I experienced as a child.”

What inspires you?

“All the colors in nature and all the ways the art process helps me interpret what I see.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Typically, I paint landscapes; however I have been known to do a few paintings of our English Bulldog Belma.”

“I paint landscapes; however I have been known to do a few paintings of our English Bulldog Belma.”

How would you describe your work?

“Mostly impressionist style paintings that capture people, places and the events in my life. Timeless and tasteful, or modern and messy. Mostly messy.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I would have to say either Picasso or Matisse.”

What is your creative process like?

“It's really a tornado of mistakes that somehow end up on canvas. I'll see a photo of a place and try to catch the elegance of the colors or maybe the expression of an animal. But the vision I start with and what I end up with are two different things.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“To me, an artists role is to show everyone what they see and how they see it. I love artists interpretation of the world. It never ceases to amaze me. I see art evolving in many ways by using new technology and even AI. But nothing will replace a persons vision of how they see the world.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Mainly, my work has been displayed in restaurants and wineries in the Las Vegas area. Coming in September of 2023, my work will be featured in the new champagne bar "Status Lounge" at the Venetian/Palazzo.”