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Mark English
(American b. 1933)
Mark English was
born in Hubbard, Texas in 1933. His first job was picking cotton, but
he worked his way out of the fields when he learned how to paint signs
for visiting rodeos. He attended the University of Texas and graduated
from The Art Center College in Los Angeles in 1960.
English moved to Connecticut in 1964, and so began
his meteoric rise as one of America’s top magazine illustrators. His
first editorial assignment from The Saturday Evening Post led to nonstop
work from major publications including Reader’s Digest, The Ladies Home
Journal, Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, Redbook and Time.
The recipient of over a hundred awards from art
organizations nationwide, in 1967 English was named “Artist of the Year”
by the Artist’s Guild of New York. His work was selected with
astounding regularity for the Society of Illustrators annual
exhibitions. The Society further honored him with the Hamilton King
Award in 1967, and in 1983 elected him to their prestigious
Illustrator’s Hall of Fame in New York, joining such notable
illustrators as N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, and Frederick Remington.
Mark English has been the most awarded illustrator in the history of the
Society of Illustrators in New York.
In 1977, he received an offer from Hallmark Cards to
serve as artist in residence, which he accepted. In 1996, English began
to concentrate on gallery paintings almost exclusively and soon found
great success in the new venture. His works are coveted by art lovers
and private collectors, and have been shown in Canada, Japan and
throughout the United States, including the Smithsonian Institute in
Washington D.C.
English creates rich patterns using simplified
geometric shapes and abstract planes that echo the topography and
coloration of the land. His landscapes evoke remembered scenes and
associative feeling rather than represent particular locations – it is
the essence of the experience, gleaned from his continual observation.
In 1977, English was one of the artists featured in
the book “200 Years of American Illustration” by Henry Pitz. Later
publications include in 1979, “Great American Illustrators” by Walt
Reed; in 1997, “Famous American Illustrators” by Arpi Ermoyan and
finally in 2002, “Mark English” by Jill Bossart.
English has executed portraits of famous
personalities for the National Park Service. He was also commissioned
to design thirteen stamps for the US Postal Service.
As an artist, English is committed to innovation and
growth. His career as an illustrator set new standards within the
field, and his recent paintings are proof of his determination, drive
and desire to further challenge himself. Most recently he has focused
on a series dedicated to the American Indian. Mark English is a rich
part of our American legacy.
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