Hi my name is Henry - New Short Film


I just created this film about my furry buddy called Henry. He is a rescue animal that I adopted about 3 years ago. This film is short and sweet and was a lot of fun to create!

https://youtu.be/-jy2pbsTX98

Water

I created this film about the healing power of water. The film was shot mainly in NZ and is about some of my spiritual views on nature.

Water by Mark David Manning
https://youtu.be/q5xI3ZvVaUc

Oil Studies of Whangarei New Zealand.








--> Here are some pics of Oil Studies I have created from my last trip to New Zealand. Some of these are available for sale through my SHOP on my website or you can click the link!

I often start larger works by creating basic composition drawings and small oil sketches. I do this to better understand my subject matter, and to search out what is working. By doing the work up front, and diving into a composition, it helps you to understand what you are looking at and make better decisions for larger works.
Studies are painted quicker than larger works, and often are intentionally limited in information. Oil Studies often feel fresh, as they are not over detailed. An Oil Study offers the painter a breakdown of the basic building blocks of shape, light and color being arranged, and they are VERY useful. 

Some of these Oil Studies will become larger more detailed works and are really enjoyable to paint- Mark

Mobile Artist Studio UPDATE: New Zealand





I have just returned from a short trip to New Zealand, it was incredible. It was a great trip where I was able to put into action what I have been working towards. I was able to get all of my equipment purchased (including film and sound equipment prior to my visit) and take it ALL down. I now have equipment stored in NZ (dry and safe and ready to use). I didn’t find the vehicle this trip, the vehicles I found were either needing to much work or were completely restored, and a little out of my budget. I also needed a little more time as well… so hopefully next time.  Also on the positive, I have arranged for the vehicle once purchased to be stored, which is HUGE and very much appreciated. So I am getting there step by step…one step at a time. I was able to hike, film, sound record and paint on this trip, all of which will result in some beautiful and unique work. I now have a ton of footage to get through and start editing and pulling from this experience. I also was able to teach 2 painting classes and meet some really nice local artists. I have made some great connections that will hopefully lead to further showing and teaching.

                                  Proof of Concept:
This trip was a good test for me to see what works and what doesn’t work, and if I had missed anything in my first stages of preparation for equipment. There are few small items needed but they are very minimal. This trip was also a test to see if the my idea was to big or was poorly planned? It is easy to get romantic with an idea like this when you are far away, however, I am glad to say the idea WORKS! The next part is adding the vehicle. 

On this trip I connected with local people, and immersed myself into nature, it is the start of my idea in action. Being out there is sweaty stuff, and it takes some serious effort lugging your stuff up mountains, however the reward is absolutely worth it. This trip will result in the creation of new artworks, works that are based on an incredible experience in an incredible location. I can’t wait to buy the vehicle, and if possible on my next trip… 



 What I didn’t expect was the actual beauty I found, the visual and in sound, it was far more beautiful in real life. I slept under the stars, and hiked out to some really remote locations. I caught my own fish to eat, and swam a lot in the ocean. The bird life is incredible in NZ, as is a feeling of isolation and a wildness in the land, I am very grateful and can’t wait to go back…

I am now painting and digging deeper into what I found on this adventure - Thank you for your support and interest- Mark






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Equipment UPDATE #6


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Thank you all for the support and good wishes! I have purchased some more equipment from my list! I found a great vintage kettle that heats quickly, and is lightweight and beautiful. I also purchased a down bag that will handle very cold weather. It also packs small for hiking… It is a 600 fill, and so can used in very cold weather. I also purchased fish hooks, and a North face 40 liter pack. This pack is the perfect pack for holding paint equipment and gear for a couple of days away, hiking and painting… I also found a great hat with side, face and rear neck flaps, a mid scale grey color... I will look like a ninja, but will not be getting burnt! Thank you all for the support and purchases of my cards, I feel very lucky… Mark





Equipment UPDATE #5


Thank you for all of the support and positive feedback. I have met some amazing people over the last couple of weeks that have been so encouraging, especially two elderly people who I talked too about my project. It is not just what they said, but it was as if they were talking directly to me on a much deeper level… the elderly talk from experience, and I am grateful for the advice.

I have added some more equipment to my kit. I also have some wooden spoons arriving shortly. I have been thinking about what I need to cook with and how great it will be to be eating some wild food fresh from the ocean, I cant wait. Below is the added equipment- Mark

1 x Solar Shower
1 x Paring Knife
1 x Hiking Frying Pan (Thrift)
2 x Light Weight Bowls (Thrift)
1 x Coffee Press
I x Mixed lot of Cutlery (Thrift)
1 x Set of Wooden Spoons (on the way)