Statement

"My work is an exploration of space, light, and atmosphere, balancing the raw energy of urban environments with the grounding permanence of natural landscapes. Whether capturing the grit and motion of a Chicago street corner or the vast expanse of the Western terrain, my goal is to share the experience of a place as a visual journey. Rooted in the traditions of plein air painting and the gritty realism of the Ashcan School, my process blends immediacy with technical rigor. I utilize traditional underpainting and careful glazing techniques to build rich, luminous layers of color and depth which I learned to do as a stained glass artist. This allows me to push beyond the physical structures that I am looking at in search of shifting light, weather, and a mood that defines this fleeting moment in time. For me, sharing a painting is a success when it makes you feel like you are traveling with me."

Background and Recognition

Mark Cleveland (American, b. 1957) is an accomplished artist working out of Denver and Chicago, celebrated for his evocative portrayals of both urban and natural landscapes. He has earned significant recognition, including being named a Top 100 Finalist in the PleinAir Salon (PleinAir Magazine, 2024) .  Cleveland’s work has been featured in Outdoor Painter online, and his striking Chicago cityscapes have even appeared on the television series Chicago Fire. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and further refined his artistic approach at the American Academy of Art, where he developed his distinctive use of color and composition.

Artistic Style and Evolution

Cleveland specializes in oil painting and employs traditional underpainting and glazing techniques. These methods enable him to produce richly layered works that convey depth, atmosphere, and immediacy. On the streets of Chicago, Cleveland explored urban scenes capturing street-level views that evoke the Ashcan School. Mentored by some of Chicago's finest plein air painters, his work has attracted a growing base of collectors, placing over 250 paintings since 2023. His early artistic explorations centered on Western natural landscapes which have re-immerged in his work in Denver ,Colorado. .

Professional Contributions and Approach

Cleveland was an influential member, co-director and exhibitions coordinator with Plein Air Painters Chicago sponsored by the Palette & Chisel where he learned his plein air technique. he later founded the Evanston Plein Air Festival and continues to be an active participant in major plein air events both nationally and internationally, Cleveland demonstrates technical rigor and a contemporary sensibility in his art. His paintings reflect a sustained commitment to capturing the essence of a place, offering collectors visually compelling and enduring works. See CSV for more info