Mark Langley
Born into the Diesel age in 1973, Mark grew up in Chellaston, Derbyshire and gained his interest in trains from his Father. Railways have always been in Mark's blood, his parents met at the Carriage and Wagon works and his Mother's family all worked in the construction of railway rolling stock. Mark's Grandmother worked at the Carriage and Wagon works during the war, riveting the wings of Hurricane fighter planes, this was where she met her husband, Mark's Grandfather.
Mark's artistic career began with his love of the railways, and he produced a series of highly detailed drawing at just 17. Drawing trains enabled Mark to refine his technical skills and develop his own style. He recalls finding the tonal differences frustrating at first and he still notices that many other artists don't get this right when working in pencil. Mark concentrated a great deal of effort on getting this right as it really helps convey the mood of the scene, and he still finds this one of the most fascinating technical aspects of pencil drawing.
Upon leaving school Mark spent six years in further education studying graphic design, illustration and photography, obtaining an HND at Sheffield College and gaining specialised skills in illustration. A professional career as a graphic artist in the design industry was a diversion from his paper based drawing skills for a while. However realising this was a waste of his talents Mark has now returned to paper and pencil and is now pushing to make his name as a professional artist. Mark also undertakes architectural studies and portraits of both people and animals. His work can be seen by visiting his website: www.mark-langley.com