Mark Bentley was born in Ballarat, Victoria in 1962.

Mark’s manifest interest and talent in painting and drawing developed early on, and by the age of 7, he was taking lessons in watercolour and oils from well-respected, prominent Ballarat artist, Jessie Merrit.

After completing high school, Mark enrolled at Ballarat University, where he successfully completed his Diploma in Fine Art (Graphic Design) in 1982. Consequently, after moving to Melbourne, Mark contributed his talents to many projects at ad agencies and design studios and is currently Creative Director of one of Australia’s leading corporate design houses.

Mark’s work has a graphic edge to it, exploring the simplistic use of line using built-up layers and rich textures. To look into one of his canvases is to appreciate the many and varied ways that textures cut and intersect each other adding depth and form.

His subjects, be they birds or dogs exude a warmth and charm simply by the naive way in which they have been created.