Meet the Artist
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Welcome
I’m Arlene Marks I like to create beautiful paintings that not only colour your home, but also connect you to positive emotions. Originally from Co.Fermanagh but now living in Co.Armagh, Northern Ireland. I received my BA Hons in Visual Communications from the University of Ulster (Belfast) . Shortly after I moved to Australia and travelled a lot, where I met my now husband in the Northern Territory. We married and within a year welcomed our son. It was 2014 I took my first step and launched my Facebook page Murals and Marks. I had been painting murals for years, but this was making my first business and selling this service to the wider public. |
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Murals are a fantastic way to travel and meet people. Collaborate on designs and try new styles on a variety of surfaces.
Murals and marks continued to grow with many repeat customers. My artistic skills improved too, proving consistency is key. But I always yearned for my own artwork to be painted too.
Fast forward to March 2020 the school I worked in closed due to Covid19 and I was at home more.
Now was the time to Pivot. Our family conservatory changed into my art studio, bathing in natural light.
It brings me great joy to be able to paint every day and even more when I see the joy it brings to people like you.
Murals and marks continued to grow with many repeat customers. My artistic skills improved too, proving consistency is key. But I always yearned for my own artwork to be painted too.
Fast forward to March 2020 the school I worked in closed due to Covid19 and I was at home more.
Now was the time to Pivot. Our family conservatory changed into my art studio, bathing in natural light.
It brings me great joy to be able to paint every day and even more when I see the joy it brings to people like you.
I love how Art can make you remember, reflect or feel. This is what I want to achieve.
I now have two styles that are spilt into representational and abstract.
My representational pieces are based on landscapes and landmarks that are based from photo references. They have harmonizing colours and focus on details such as architectural features.
Many commissions are painted in this style and I am a happy to discuss this more.
In 2023 my focus was on abstract pieces with a link to nerodiversity and mental health.
The Northern Health Trust purchased 12 original paintings in this style to decor the walls of their clinic.
This was a huge boost and recognition of my artistic intention.
To see what I am up to daily you can visit me on my Instagram page.
Or if you would like to visit the studio and have a cuppa in person, I would love that too.
My representational pieces are based on landscapes and landmarks that are based from photo references. They have harmonizing colours and focus on details such as architectural features.
Many commissions are painted in this style and I am a happy to discuss this more.
In 2023 my focus was on abstract pieces with a link to nerodiversity and mental health.
The Northern Health Trust purchased 12 original paintings in this style to decor the walls of their clinic.
This was a huge boost and recognition of my artistic intention.
To see what I am up to daily you can visit me on my Instagram page.
Or if you would like to visit the studio and have a cuppa in person, I would love that too.
Arlene - Art facilitator
There is a great joy in teaching and since 2020 I have been working with community groups, carrying out art workshops.
My background and day job is in a Primary School. So I can accommodate all ages and abilities.
This photo is from a workshop with Knitted Knocked of Northern Ireland a breast cancer charity.
I am currently the Chairperson for Loughside Art Club.
An adult Art club that meets every Monday evening.
Whether it's to improve your artistic skills, try a new medium or technique, or have some time to yourself to just create for 2 hours, this is a friendly and welcoming group.
Currently running from the AEON building in Lurgan.
Below is an image from our last group exhibition in the Millenium Court, Portadown.
An adult Art club that meets every Monday evening.
Whether it's to improve your artistic skills, try a new medium or technique, or have some time to yourself to just create for 2 hours, this is a friendly and welcoming group.
Currently running from the AEON building in Lurgan.
Below is an image from our last group exhibition in the Millenium Court, Portadown.
Arlene - other groups
I am a member of the Visual Artists in Ireland,
Shore Collective, a group of professional visual artists.
And one of the founding members of the George Russell Society in Ireland, which in 2024 has went international.
Shore Collective, a group of professional visual artists.
And one of the founding members of the George Russell Society in Ireland, which in 2024 has went international.
After working along side the AE Russell society, I have assisted Ursula Leighton in setting up a new Community Art Group based in Lurgan, inspired by the historical Artist AE Russell.
George William Russell (1867-1935) was born in Lurgan and stayed here until he was 11 before moving to Dublin were he became a famous Poet and Painter. Close friends with WB Yeats George inspired and was mentor to many artists, including Pamela Travers who later went on to write Mary Poppins.
Below is painting of George, and 2 paintings one showing his representational style and the other of his more mystic, intutive style.
George William Russell (1867-1935) was born in Lurgan and stayed here until he was 11 before moving to Dublin were he became a famous Poet and Painter. Close friends with WB Yeats George inspired and was mentor to many artists, including Pamela Travers who later went on to write Mary Poppins.
Below is painting of George, and 2 paintings one showing his representational style and the other of his more mystic, intutive style.
Arlene along side Ursula Leighton was asked to select a piece of artwork for the AE Russell award at the Royal Ulster Academy 2023.
