Artist Mark Laguë has earned international acclaim for his remarkable paintings that capture the essence of light and form. Born in Lachine, Quebec, in 1964, his early fascination with drawing laid the foundation for his lifelong artistic journey. Despite growing up in a family with no artistic background, his natural inclination for doodling and sketching became a defining passion. "For whatever reason, I've always drawn," Mark recalls, noting that neither of his parents nor siblings had any connection to art. Initially aspiring to be a professional hockey player, it wasn't until high school that he began to take art seriously, thanks to an encouraging teacher.
Mark pursued fine arts at CEGEP in Quebec and earned a design degree from Concordia University, exploring various artistic disciplines, including animation. After 13 years in the animation industry as a background designer and art director, he felt a stronger pull toward painting and started gaining recognition for his watercolor works through art competitions and exhibitions.
It was in 2000 that Mark made a pivotal shift in his medium, transitioning from watercolor to oil painting. This decision stemmed from both practical considerations and his evolving artistic vision. Over time, he found oil painting to be more durable and flexible, especially for larger works. He notes that oil painting allows him to "work it and work it," a flexibility not possible with watercolors, where mistakes can be unforgiving.
Mark's passion for the contrast between light and dark and their interaction with urban environments has become a hallmark of his work. His focus on cityscapes, architecture, and man-made structures, particularly older buildings in cities like Montreal and San Francisco, provides the perfect backdrop for his exploration of light. "I love the kind of imperfections you get in the man-made," Mark explains, "and how that relates with the cars, especially on reflections."
"Where there's light, it's the absence of light that makes the light," Mark notes. This play of light and shadow is a defining feature in many of his paintings, where simple shapes can evoke complex scenes. "By simplifying things... you can almost break it down to as simple as it's black or it's white," Mark says. The challenge is creating the illusion of detail without rendering every element explicitly, a technique Mark describes as placing "just the right little chip out there and a little tweak here."
Mark's method of working from photographs is another integral part of his creative process, especially for his cityscapes, providing a practical foundation for his work. His process typically begins with large shapes, which he gradually refines into more detailed elements. The influence of his early watercolor work remains evident, as he often begins with a wash of color and builds up layers, embracing the fluidity and spontaneity that first drew him to painting.
Despite his mastery of oil painting, Mark continues to evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new ways to push his work further. Yet, his passion for discovery remains undiminished, as he strives to simplify his subjects while still capturing their essence. When asked about his future artistic endeavors, Mark hints at a desire to explore even more abstract elements within his representational work. "How minimal a thing can I give you?… so much that you say, 'Oh, that's just a car,' but that it just feels like a car drenched in light," he muses.
Mark Laguë's relationship with SmithKlein Gallery in Boulder has been a key element in his artistic journey. He recalls first connecting with the gallery in 2004 and experiencing success right from the start. "I remember it was Nathan's mom, Debbie... we'd have these long conversations about everything and anything, not even necessarily to do with art." Now, under the ownership of Nathan and his wife Anne, Mark has maintained a strong and lasting relationship. He emphasizes the importance of trust in the art world, saying, "In this business, it can't be said lightly... I trust them implicitly." This partnership has provided him with a solid foundation, allowing him to focus on his creative process while knowing he has the support of a trusted gallery.
Mark Laguë's work continues to captivate audiences as he balances the technical precision of realism with the emotional impact of abstraction, all while remaining deeply committed to his ongoing artistic exploration.