Mark Shasha

Mark Shasha is an award-winning artist, author, educator and a leading Plein Air painter in America today. His work has appeared in museums, galleries and publications for almost 40 years and can be found in public and private collections around the world. Millions have read his children’s books which he has written and illustrated.

Mark Shasha’s motto is “I brake for beauty”.  His oil paintings evoke passion for the alluring and mysterious scenes in nature that capture his eye, whether they be a coastline, shadow or intimate corner.  He paints outdoors to honestly capture the textures and light play of nature, which he approaches in a traditional style, blending oil painting techniques of 19^th and 20^th century masters. 

A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he is now an elected artist member of The Salmagundi Club, The Guild of Boston Artists, The Copley Society, Rockport Art Association & Museum, North Shore Arts Association and other venerable art institutions.

His paintings consistently earn national recognition and awards, with the most recent highlights being the 2018 Plein Air Easton Artist’s Choice Award, Oil Painters of America Award of Excellence, and the Alden Bryan Memorial Award for Excellence in Landscape Painting (awarded to Shasha twice in one year).

Mark is included in prominent art events throughout the country including the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, Plein Air Easton, Cape Ann Plein Air, and En Plein Air Texas.

In addition, Mark frequently appears on stage as an actor and singer.  He also occasionally performs his multi-media presentation, Art Up! which riffs on how the Renaissance and the enduring ideas of the Enlightenment improve our lives.

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.