![]() ![]() present, only this is seen through the eyes of a woman who has survived what most of us can only imagine. What role does family roots and history play in determining who we are today? It's the age old question of past vs. But this is not really a courtroom drama it's a personal quest for justice and search for identity. Supreme Court (Jonathan Pryce as Chief Justice), and finally a mediation committee back in Austria. The seven-plus year legal saga is condensed for the big screen and we follow Maria and Randol as they meet with the Austrian art reclamation committee, a federal judge (played by the director's wife Elizabeth McGovern), the U.S. They are aided in their mission by an Austrian journalist (played by Daniel Bruhl) who is fighting his own demons. The story revolves around Maria's partnering with family friend and upstart attorney Randol Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds) to take on the nation of Austria and reclaim the (extremely valuable) artwork that was seized illegally so many years ago. See, Adele was Maria's aunt, and the stunning piece (with gold leaf accents) has become "the Mona Lisa of Austria", while hanging for decades in the state gallery. This is not just any artwork, but multiple pieces from famed Austrian artist Gustav Klimt including "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer". Altmann becomes aware of the family artwork stolen by the Nazi's during the invasion. Helen Mirren portrays Maria Altmann, the woman who emigrated to the United States by fleeing her Austrian homeland during World War II, and leaving behind her beloved family and all possessions. ![]() Add to those the quest of a remarkable woman whose family was ripped apart by Nazi insurgents, and more than a history lesson, it becomes a poignant personal story. The responsibility of the filmmaker when the project is "based on a true story" is elevated when the story has significant historical relevance and blends such elements as art, identity, justice and international law. It’s an incredible challenge and I’m very blessed to experience the journey of creating a masterpiece from a blank, white canvas.Greetings again from the darkness. The creative process takes quite a bit of time, effort and faith. ![]() Afterwards, I returned to my Maryland studio, stretched a canvas with the finest linen, and began the creative painting process. Recently I had the pleasure of spending two days with a wonderful Charlotte, NC family in preparation for the portrait painting of their beautiful children. Creating classic, fine art for families that will last for generations is my mission.Īn important part of the portrait painting commission process is getting to know the family. Once considered a relic of the photography era, the art of portrait painting is making a comeback” is a quote from a recent Bloomberg article.Ĭapturing a person’s soul on canvas is an amazing, rewarding experience and has been my passion since 2000. “Getting your portrait painted is trendy again. “Capturing a women and child in oil on canvas is an extremely difficult thing to do.and Mark has the gift! ” Fred Folsom / Artist, Maryland “Your work is incredible! The painting of Madelyne in the park makes me want a daughter just so I can have a painting like that! ” Ashlee Vaught / Savannah, Georgia His unmatched work exudes compassion, understanding and artistic genius. “Mark’s ‘Elise’ is a breathtaking likeness that will give us joy every day. HE IS AMAZING! ” Jennifer/Brydon's Mother “I just called my mother crying into the phone because this is not just who she is today but you can see her depth and who she will be later. ” Laura Guarisco / Guarisco Gallery, Preeminent dealer in Old Master's Art “It is difficult thing to capture the essence of a personality: Mark has done this. “Mark's sense of composition and poetry of subject is excellent. “Mark's portraits are beautifully executed! ” Martin Sullivan / Director, National Portrait Gallery Washington, DC
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