Mark Katzman grew up in Los Angeles, and received a BA from U.C.L.A.  He served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, and afterward studied at Art Center in Los Angeles, and at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.  Returning to Los Angeles, Katzman worked as a scenic artist  in Hollywood’s television and movie studios and designed a set for Ralph Waite’s L.A. Actor’s Theater. 

In 2004, Katzman completed studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco earning an MFA in painting.  He had a successful graduate show of his paintings at the Academy’s Sutter Street Gallery and he exhibited his work at the Academy’s 2004 and 2005 annual spring shows, earning a second place Faculty Choice Award in 2004.  He is also a regular contributor to the Academy’s annual Faculty and Alumni Auction.  In 2005, Katzman taught drawing and painting at the School of the Arts high school in San Francisco.

Artist’s Statement

My concerns as a painter have always been about drawing, light, and color.  I am more intrigued by the painterly touch rather than work that is smoothly rendered.  I prefer working from life, when possible, and I try to paint scenes that deal with people in situations.  I also learn a lot from plein air painting, which forces me to make quick decisions about composition and color, as well as offering me a welcomed change of scenery from life in the city.  Painting forces me to look and revaluate continually, and i can think of no better and fulfilling discipline to be involved with.