Known for his expressive use of acrylic, oil, and mixed textures, Mark Schiff captures the emotional essence of his global travels and inner life through bold, abstract compositions. His work pulses with color and energy, shaped by a lifetime of cross-cultural experiences and grounded in a belief in art’s transformative power.
“Traveling reminds me that I am part of a vast universe filled with extraordinary places and interesting people,” Schiff explains. “The adventure of travel gives me an expansive sense of freedom that often becomes the inspiration for many of my paintings.” His journeys to places like Thailand, India, Singapore, Mexico, and across Europe leave not just visual impressions, but emotional ones. The result is a unique language that merges movement, memory, and feeling into striking canvases that evoke both place and presence.
At the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Schiff will debut a selection of his newest pieces, including highlights from his Lilies series such as Singapore Lilies and Acapulco Lilies. These luminous floral works mark a harmonious evolution to his series - introducing new textures, palette and vibrancy.
Yet, the interplay between energy and stillness, boldness and softness, reflects Schiff’s broader artistic philosophy. A lifelong musician and avid listener, Schiff brings a strong musical sensibility to his paintings. He often paints while listening to jazz or classical music, allowing rhythm and melody to guide the flow of his compositions. Each painting, he notes, is like composing a piece of music. “I work intuitively, building up layers, moving the paint around like a conductor,” he says. “There’s a rhythm to it just like in jazz, there’s improvisation, but also structure.”
