Mark Armitage

Artistic background

Originally from South Yorkshire, I have now been lucky enough to call Saddleworth my home for the past 15 years.
It is this stunning landscape that continues to inspire me to create abstract and semi-abstract paintings and photographs. I not only aim to capture the rugged beauty of this land but more importantly, to convey the emotion it evokes in me. From wild moorland to big skies, rolling hills and rocky peaks. I find the northern vistas both exciting and calming in equal measure.
I actually studied Photography up in Newcastle back in 1998/99 but feel painting gives me that added freedom of creativity to display much more than just a ‘real’ image. Prior to my photography study, I took a foundation course in Art & Design, trying a ‘bit of everything’ before choosing a specialism. I honestly LOVED all of it. I could easily have chosen fine art, ceramics or textiles. I believe, if you’re a creative person, that’s it, you just love creating.
My paintings are bold and dramatic abstract landscapes based on the awe-inspiring views I see around me every day. The release of breath when the sleeping giants, Alderman and Alphin (two of the great Saddleworth hills) come into view is a feeling I will never take for granted.
I have layered up mixed acrylics and using a variety of brushes, palette knifes, rollers and my fingers to add texture and movement to my artwork, try my best to re-create the emotions I feel when engulfed in my local, natural surroundings.
Art is just something within me, something I just need to do, like breathing. I will continue to express my creativity while I have life in me to do it.
While I do enjoy visiting galleries and exhibitions, and loved the art history side of my studies, nature and in particular, northern landscapes will continue to be my muse and the place where I am most at peace and happy.