Guest Profile

Mark Vander Vinne

An award-winning fine artist and art director/designer, Mark was born and raised in eastern Iowa before moving to Chicago. He graduated from the American Academy of Art in 1991 and began his career as a freelance illustrator before landing a job in the design/advertising industry. After several years in the commercial arts, Mark realized he wasn’t fulfilled and started painting again. Though advertising is still a part of his life, he has continued to grow his fine art business, exploring the shapes, colors, and moods of nature through his contemporary impressionist landscape oil paintings. Balancing a full-time job, a long commute into the city, and the responsibilities of marriage and family, Mark continues to work towards making the shift to full-time artist. To do this, he teaches workshops, participates in national plein air events, and exhibits at regional art fairs. His paintings have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions, plein air events, and held in private collections.