The 2016 Ames Area Studio Tour will be Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to our artists and attempt to give you a small glimpse of what you might see when you visit their studios. We hope you are able to join us!
Find more information here.
Find more information here.
Dan Marks [2307 Timberland Rd., Ames]
Bright colors, electric, dream-like, expressive – And that is just a start in describing the work of Dan Marks. The local acrylic painter, who is a graduate of Columbia College in Missouri, knew as early as 1st grade that creating was what he wanted to do. “I paint for myself,” he said in his description of growing up as an artist.
Starting out, Marks worked with a variety of media, using materials like nylon, aluminum, plastic, and more to create 3 dimensional paintings. What exactly is a 3D painting? Marks described it as a complete mix of materials, shaped into a setting, where paint is the primary medium.
In his current work, however, Marks’ focus in media has shifted to acrylic paint on canvas. “I like painting an experience,” said Marks in describing a series of pieces depicting small towns and settings all over the country. “I don’t like to place people in the setting so that the viewer can feel that they are there by themselves. It is all about their experience and being in that place,” he said.
While Marks mentioned how much he looks to the work of Van Gogh, Larry Rivers, and many more, the local artist gave some good advice himself. “Always be evolving. There is no right or wrong way to paint,” he said.
In participating in the Studio Tour next month, Marks is most excited to share his work with visitors, inviting them into his home, which is like a gallery in and of itself. “Since I paint for me, all I can do is hope they like it,” he said.
Learn more about Dan Marks, his work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.
Starting out, Marks worked with a variety of media, using materials like nylon, aluminum, plastic, and more to create 3 dimensional paintings. What exactly is a 3D painting? Marks described it as a complete mix of materials, shaped into a setting, where paint is the primary medium.
In his current work, however, Marks’ focus in media has shifted to acrylic paint on canvas. “I like painting an experience,” said Marks in describing a series of pieces depicting small towns and settings all over the country. “I don’t like to place people in the setting so that the viewer can feel that they are there by themselves. It is all about their experience and being in that place,” he said.
While Marks mentioned how much he looks to the work of Van Gogh, Larry Rivers, and many more, the local artist gave some good advice himself. “Always be evolving. There is no right or wrong way to paint,” he said.
In participating in the Studio Tour next month, Marks is most excited to share his work with visitors, inviting them into his home, which is like a gallery in and of itself. “Since I paint for me, all I can do is hope they like it,” he said.
Learn more about Dan Marks, his work, and the Ames Area Studio Tour by visiting our website, here.