About Mark Keathley
Online Gallery Originals Mark Keathley (born 1963) grew up on the
family cattle farm in East Texas and loved romping through the woods and
across open fields. He spent most of his spare time outside chasing lizards,
and trying to catch that illusive grand-daddy large mouth bass. It was here
in this environment, where he first spied his mother's oil painting box in
the attic of his country home.
He had drawn pictures
voraciously since age five, but the paints offered a new challenge that he
thought he was up for at age eleven. After a very disappointing start, he
didn't give up, and continued trying, often painting well into the night as
a teen. He later attended a small one man show put on for a friend in his
college art class and saw, for the first time, someone selling artwork.
This was all it took. His
renewed interest in painting and determination to learn more, kept him busy
twelve to fourteen hours a day, six days a week, and within a year found
that many folks were beginning to collect his work. "You're so young!" they
would say, for he was twenty or so, and his career had begun.
In the early 1990's, he entered a couple of paintings in the Cheyenne,
Wyoming "Old West Museum Show" and won a couple of awards for his work. He
also attended the "Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Art Show" in Waco Texas and
twice won the "Popular Vote Award" for a couple of his pieces two years in a
row. Everywhere he has gone, he has found great acceptance for his work, and
his paintings hang in many homes around the world.
His favorite collectors are
those who see his work, and want to take it home because it causes them to
rest. "We are too busy these days," he says, speaking about our need to slow
down, and to sit and think about life. Our kids are growing up alone, our
schedules are jammed full, and there is no time to contemplate what life
should be about. "I want my paintings to inspire people to be still, to
listen to that quiet voice, and then rise up assured that they are a part of
something bigger than their schedule."
Mark's paintings do just that.
He is able to capture that perfect moment that you might experience on a
hike through the mountains when a majestic elk came out for an unforgettable
experience. Or a moment in time when the light, the water, and the gentle
involvement of a man and his horse all came together in a masterful
composition. He is able to blend bold strokes of color and fine detail to
bring your focus in to the most important areas, and give you the feeling
that you are there. And that is where he wants you to stay - not admiring
his ability, but rather inspired to live.
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