Casting For Bait 2 – Oil – 12 x 12 inches

At The Red Piano Art Gallery, we are proud to represent the luminous and soulful landscapes of Mark Kelvin Horton, a Southern artist whose deep connection to light, weather, and mood sets his work apart. Horton’s journey from the rural fields of North Carolina to the bustling art world of New York City and back again to Charleston, South Carolina, is a story as compelling as his paintings.

A Journey Rooted in Art and Design
Born and raised in rural North Carolina, Horton always held a passion for art. After graduating from East Carolina University’s School of Art in 1983, he moved to New York City, where he launched a successful career in advertising and design. Over the course of 18 years, Horton worked as a creative director at leading agencies and later founded his own design firm. But even amidst the fast pace of the city, he remained deeply connected to his dream of becoming a full-time painter.

New York City became a classroom for Horton’s artistic eye. He immersed himself in the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederic Church, and tonal photographer Edward Steichen, artists known for their ability to evoke emotion through atmosphere and light. The romantic vision of the Hudson River School painters and the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer left a lasting imprint on his creative vision.

A Return to the South, and to Painting
In 2001, Horton made the bold decision to leave New York and return to the South, settling in the artistic hub of Charleston, South Carolina. This move allowed him to focus fully on his true passion: painting. His return to the familiar Southern landscape provided not only artistic inspiration but also a sense of homecoming.

Light, Atmosphere, and Personal Vision
What distinguishes Mark Kelvin Horton’s work is his ability to go beyond realism, creating landscapes that capture not just a place, but its essence. Horton is especially drawn to the fleeting effects of light and weather, and how these elements shape our emotional response to the natural world.

His paintings reflect a balance of structure and mood, with subtle tonal shifts and a careful eye for detail. Horton paints what he feels as much as what he sees, inviting the viewer to slow down and experience the serenity, beauty, and mystery of the Southern landscape.

Explore Mark Kelvin Horton’s Work at The Red Piano Art Gallery
Mark Kelvin Horton’s work is a cornerstone of our gallery collection. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a first-time visitor, his paintings speak to the soul and bring a sense of quiet beauty to any space.

Visit us at The Red Piano Art Gallery in Bluffton, South Carolina, to experience Horton’s evocative landscapes in person.