ARTIST BIO

Mark Wall is a visual artist working primarily in encaustic, while also exploring oil and cold wax, mixed media collage, and acrylic. He divides his time between the remote island of Decatur in Washington’s Salish Sea and the Sonoran Desert city of Yuma, Arizona—two dramatically different environments that continue to shape his creative lens.

Originally trained at Parsons School of Design and Cornish College of the Arts, Mark spent over 20 years in corporate visual design before shifting focus to his own studio practice. His current work draws from a deep connection to land, water, memory, and rhythm—filtered through a personal geography rooted in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.

Mark’s abstract paintings reflect the tension and harmony between simplicity and complexity, using texture, transparency, color, and pattern to evoke a grounded sense of place. Whether referencing tidal shorelines, open fields, desert washes, or internal landscapes, his work invites contemplation and connection.

He is a member of the International Encaustic Artists, Mountain Shadow Artists Association and other art organizations. His work is held in private collections across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I make art to stay rooted—especially in places that are constantly shifting. My work is a response to the landscapes around me and the inner landscapes they stir up: saltwater horizons, desert light, worn paths, weathered surfaces, and quiet spaces in between.

I work primarily in encaustic, but also explore oil and cold wax, mixed media collage, and acrylic—often layering materials to build texture, transparency, and depth. Each piece begins with a feeling or rhythm I want to follow, rather than a finished image in mind.

Living part of the year on a small island in Washington State and the rest in the Arizona desert, I’m shaped by contrast—moisture and drought, saturation and stillness, isolation and connection. These contrasts show up in the work: bold marks next to subtle ones, rough layers smoothed down, space holding structure.

I’m less interested in exact representations and more drawn to what’s remembered, weathered, or felt. My hope is that others find their own stories inside the work—something familiar, grounding, or quietly stirring.

WHAT IS ENCAUSTIC?

Encaustic is a painting method that uses a molten mixture of beeswax and damar resin (a tree sap) as the medium. The resin gives the wax hardness, raises its melting point, and allows for a luminous, polished surface. The word encaustic comes from the Greek enkaustikos, meaning "to burn in"—a reference to the heat used to fuse each layer.

This technique has ancient roots. It began as a way for Greek shipbuilders in the 4th century BC to seal and protect wooden hulls with wax and resin. Over time, pigments were added for decoration—on ships, ceramics, architecture, and eventually, paintings.

Some of the oldest surviving examples are the Egyptian funerary portraits from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Painted on wood panels by Greek artists in Roman Egypt, these vivid portraits were placed over mummies as memorials—preserved by time, heat, and wax.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PAINTING

Encaustic is a very durable medium, but just as any piece of fine art, it also needs careful treatment.  Use care when hanging, transporting or storing.

  • Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid extremely hot temperatures; the wax may soften at 120°F and will melt at 158°-166°F.

  • Also avoid extreme cold conditions, as this could cause the medium to crack.

  • Keep artwork out of prolonged direct sunlight; exposure to direct sunlight for a period of time can soften the paintings surface and potentially lead to damage.

  • Do not install near fireplaces, wood stoves or other areas where radiant heat may affect the painting.

  • Beeswax Encaustic is extremely archival, but take care not to scratch the surface and be sure to be careful not to damage the edges or corners.

  • When packing encaustic art for transport, cover the face of the painting with household wax paper. Do not use bubble wrap directly on the front of the painting as it may leave an imprint on the surface. Once the face is protected, wrap entire painting in bubble wrap to protect surface and edges. Ensure the flat side down of bubble wrap is against the painting with bubbles on the exterior.

  • Encaustic does not need to be protected by glass. If you would like to frame your piece of art, a floater frame is an attractive option.

  • Curing: during the first 6-12 months, as the wax cures, an encaustic painting may develop “bloom”. Bloom is a naturally occurring hazy white residue. It may also occur if a painting is exposed to cold. Bloom can easily be removed by softly buffing the surface of the painting with a very soft lint free cloth. This will add a gloss finish to the painting as well.

  • The finish on most of my work is mixed with areas of gloss, satin and flat finishes, so don’t rub on an area too much if you don’t see a gloss.

  • Cleaning: Once an encaustic painting has fully cured and hardened, it will shed dust and dirt more readily. Encaustic paintings can easily be cleaned by gently wiping the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth. This will also bring the shine back to your painting- much like a car when waxed.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

COMMISSIONS

I am frequently asked if I do commissions- yes, I accept commissions—when the fit is right.

Because I work primarily in encaustic, a fluid and unpredictable medium painted with molten wax and flame, each piece takes on a life of its own. I approach every painting with intention, but I also leave space for the process to lead. For this reason, I don’t replicate sold works or create highly specific scenes on request.

What I do offer are custom pieces shaped by size, palette, and the expressive qualities found in my existing work. Most clients are drawn to one or two paintings they connect with deeply—those serve as a foundation for creating something new and personal. With thoughtful conversation, I’ll work to understand the mood, energy, and essence you’re hoping to capture.

If you’re interested in commissioning a piece, please reach out at markwallcreative@gmail.com to start the conversation.

“HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS” : SHORT VIDEO

Learn more about me and my work. I was honored when the Schack Art Center invited me to contribute to their series, “Home is Where the Art is; a small film series that gives you a peek inside the home studios and work of some of your favorite local artists.”