Mark Ainsworth - Artist Talk

Mark Ainsworth is a painter and teacher who said that “colour and all its magical properties is at the centre of my creative output,” and who uses a rich palette to create his shapes. He was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, where he attended the College of Art, 1972–3, then Ravensbourne College of Art, 1973–6, and Royal College of Art, 1977–80.

His work appeared in John Moores Liverpool Exhibition in 1978 and 1995–6, the Arts Council acquired the acrylic on canvas Crag from his first show. Mark has had solo shows at Moira Kelly Gallery and Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool, 1980; Kerlin Gallery in Belfast and Dublin from 1986; The Sorcerer and the Apprentice, Belfast and Blackpool, 1993; and Art and Design Matters, Ulster Museum in Belfast, 1994. From 1982 he taught at University of Ulster.

Speaking about his influences, Mark says: “there are many things that influence my work; these include Islamic Art, Classical music, Alchemy & the various places I have travelled to. Although these influences are of some importance to me, it is however the creative thought processes that I am involved with whilst painting which determine the outcome of the work.”

http://markainsworthartist.com