Mark Sofilas
What’s your background?
Born in Bunbury Western Australia in 1961. Gained a diploma in graphic design in 1979, specializing in illustration. I began my professional career in 1981 as a freelance artist. I’ve worked in the advertising, publishing and editorial industries in Perth, Western Australia, Melbourne and Sydney for 25 years.
I moved to the UK in 2008 with my English born wife and twin girls, where we settled in Leeds and I began my fine art painting career.
Explain what you do in 100 words
I create original paintings mainly inspired by the idiosyncrasies of the North Yorkshire coast and its harbours, English & Scottish countryside. I also do figurative and still life work.
I work primarily in oils and I enjoy exploring textures and colour. My use of colour is bold, direct and challenges the
Standing Tall, Bempton
viewer to consider familiar landscape in a very different way. I try to bring to my work the perspective of someone who originates from a very different landscape. My work is shown and sold in galleries throughout the North of England and London.
I am a member of Leeds Fine Artists.
What five words best describe your work?
Bold, colourful, impressionistic, strong and optimistic.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on some new paintings for “Art for Youth North”, a joint exhibition in October and also new works for the galleries, which represent me. This is an ongoing thing.
Which three artists most inspire you?
Too difficult to select just three, but I would say Monet, Joan Eardley, children’s drawings & paintings/Alfred Wallis and sneak in Joash Woodrow.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
This wasn’t given to me, but actually something I read. To try and give integrity to each brushstroke/mark you make.
Favourite or most inspirational place in Yorkshire
North Yorkshire coastline and its villages.
My Favourite Glass
Tell us something we don’t know
I spent a day with Muhammad Ali in Chicago in 2002. I had done a painting of him from which we reproduced limited edition prints, which he then signed. It was an amazing experience and lovely memory.
