Mark B. Cleveland
About the Artist
Mark B. Cleveland (Fine Artist, American) is a contemporary visual artist exploring the unique beauty and connection we share in everyday urban life. His work echoes the “Ashcan School” of post Impressionist American oil painting. He is best known for gritty urban cityscapes which combine plein air inspired execution with the use of traditional underpainting and glazing techniques to create a rich depth of color and perspective in otherwise unlikely settings.
Former Co- Director and Exhibitions Chair for PAPC ( Plein Air Painters, Chicago) Cleveland crafted his own painterly style, subject and gesture alongside premier midwestern plein air masters during the pandemic of 2020-23. Working with Evanstonmade in 2022, he was acting Director of Evanston’s founding plein air festival and continues in this role to date.
Mark began his career by contributing detailed illustrations to outdoor fishing magazines and by working to establish Native American Art and Cultural Centers. A graduate of Northwestern University, he attended classes at the “American Academy of Art” where he focused on use of color and composition. He was also an accomplished stained glassier which heavily influences the way he captures the spiritual element of light in his work.
Affiliations & Roles
Program Director Evanston Plein Air Festival 2022, Co- Director: Plein Air Painters of Chicago, Member: Oil Painters of America, Palette & Chisel Academy of Chicago, the Northshore Art League, Elliot Donnelley Trout Unlimited, Trickster Native American Cultural Center, Evanston-made
In the Media
Judge’s Notes: This painting is very inviting, friendly, and has a welcoming mood. An excellent blending of realism and painterly interpretation. A nice study of how to capture hard architectural surfaces. Good light/shadow pattern creates solid dimensional shapes
The art of making art: Mark Cleveland – Evanston RoundTable, October 11, 2021
“What he discovered was amazing beauty and untold stories all around Evanston.”
The captivating creativity of Mark Cleveland, Evanston RoundTable, July 26, 2021
“…when you put something out in the universe that you’re supposed to do, you’re finally answering something, and then it kind of grabs you and takes hold.”
Markclevelandart LLC is a registered Limited Liability Corp. in Illinois
Email: mark.cleveland@comcast.net
Website: Www.Markclevelandart.com
Instagram: @markclevelandart
Shop Evanston Made: Mark Cleveland
In the News:
Mark Cleveland Exhibit at Pour
Evanston Roundtable – EAC Town & Country Exhibit