About the Artist

Mark has developed an international reputation and has won numerous awards, both in his native Canada and in the United States. A dedicated painter, Mark Lague was born in Lachine Quebec in 1964 and he has had a fascination with drawing since childhood, a skill he practices constantly, even to this day. Upon graduation from Montreal's Concordia University in Design, Mark embarked on a 13-year career in the animation industry, working primarily as a background designer and art director. During this time, despite working full time, he began recieving international acclaim for his watercolour paintings through competitions, juried shows, and solo exhibitions. In 2000, Mark switched to oil as his primary medium, and in 2002 made the jump to full time painter. As an artist he is a realist, who is open to virtually all subject matter. What keeps him excited about painting is his endless quest to simplify and get to the essence of whatever he paints. Mark has been featured in numerous national art magazines, and continues to recieve international recognition for his distinctive style of painting.
 

Solo Exhibitions

Smith Klein Gallery - Boulder Colorado
May 2006, May 2007, May 2008, May 2009

Lesley Levy Fine Art - Scottsdale Arizona
March 2007, March 2008

Waterhouse Gallery - Santa Barbara California
Nov. 2005, Nov. 2006, March 2008

Brazier Fine Art - Richmond Virginia
May 2005

Galerie Art & Culture - Montreal Quebec
Oct. 2003

McCord Museum - Montreal Quebec
May 2003 ("McGill Series" hosted by Marchant Gallery)

Marchant Gallery - Lancaster Ontario
Oct. 1997, May 2000

Galerie de la Ville - DDO Quebec
Nov. 1998


Juried Exhibitions

Oil Painters of America 2005
Hilligoss Gallery - Chicago Illinois

Oil Painters of America 2004
Howard/Mandville Gallery - Kirkland Washington

Salon International 2002,2003, 2004
Greenhouse Gallery - San Antonio Texas
2004 Plein Air Magazine Publisher's Award

American Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition 1996, 2003
Salmagundi Club - New York New York

Oil Painters of America 2002
Brazier Fine Art - Richmond Virginia
Award of Excellence

American Artists Professional League Annual Exhibition 1996, 2002
Salmagundi Club - New York New York
2002 American Artists Fund Award


Curriculum Vitae

Formal Education

- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Concordia University, Montreal Quebec 1988
-Visual Arts Center, Montreal Quebec: Oil and Watercolour Painting 1985
- Fine Arts, John Abbott College, Montreal Quebec 1982
-Several Workshops on painting and life drawing

Employment Background

-Workshop Instructor - 1998 to present
-Cinar Animation - Art Director, 1996 to 2002, Background Designer, 1991 to 1996
-Ciné-Groupe Animation - Prop, Layout, and Background Designer, 1988 to 1989
-Pedie-Pedia Animation - Animator, Layout and Background Designer, 1987 to 1988