About Me
My name is Mark Branscum!
I am an artist! I work in both pencil and in oil. Mainly in oil, however it seems since I have started this Miniature Masters Series I have devoted all my time to pencil work. Besides the Miniature Masters Series I am also working on ACEO’s. These consist of truly miniature art in that they are only 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches in size. Though they may not all have a specific theme, each one of them were fun to draw and a challenge. I will be posting them soon.
I have been an artist as long as I can remember. My most earliest memory and what I consider my beginning into art was when I was sitting on a Church pew and was quite fidgety and my Mother decided the best way to get me still was to give me a piece of paper and a pencil. Thank you Mom!!!
I drew my first portrait that day! A lady at the piano sat still long enough for me to get a decent likeness. Though I have very little memory of what the picture looked like or the lady for that matter. I do recall how my mother showed the drawing to many and their remarks on what a likeness.
If they were being truthful, or if I understood whether they were just being kind or not I do not know, However, I do know it had a profound effect on me and thus launched a strong desire in me to be able to draw people.
Thus my art career was on its way! 
I have had many influences along the way. One of which was my Brother. His dedication to His art has always been something I have admired. I remember when I was very young I was looking at His art knowing it was something I wanted to do when I grew up. I remember the time He gave me my first book on anatomy, as I recall, I believe it was by Bridgman.
I spent many an hour trying to learn and draw such dynamic figures as Bridgman did. It was so inspiring!!!
Thanks Jim!
Other influences, well, the many masters that from a child to this day I stand in awe at the skill and mastery they displayed. I was privileged to study under a man I considered to be a living master. Though He has past now, his art was a great influence in my life. His name is Clarence Allen! I studied with him in a little studio out behind His home in Tulsa Oklahoma. I will never forget the day He invited me to go into His home where I got to see some of His work hanging on His wall.
I wish I could say I studied with Him for a long period of time, but I can not, but the time spent with this man assured me one day I would also paint, and I only hope if He was to see my work today He would be happy to know He had such a strong influence in my life, and with my art.
Thank You Mr. Allen
Well, I will save all the other influences for some post so enough about me ……
Enjoy the site, as I enjoy this journey in my life as an artist.
Mark Branscum
