Boston’s neighborhoods have been mRowntree’s inspiration since the 1970’s.
High Street Nocturn, Boston Harbor, Watercolor, 1977
Boston beginnings
Trolley, 4-color Woodblock, 1978
mRowntree has been an artist and designer in Boston for over 50 years. His watercolor paintings capture fleeting moments with unexpected clarity. mRowntree likes to use two-parts art school training and determination with one-part blind faith – to make watercolor magic. He has practiced this alchemy since his art school days at the Boston University School of Fine Art in the 1970’s.
One of the most useful lessons from art school was learning HOW to see. Most people are happy to just look at the world around them and accept it as is. Artists will attempt to See more in the world… starting with just a squint.
“It’s easy to look. Hard to see.”
— mark rowntree
Over the years mRowntree has matured with a confident style that recalls the landscapes of two of his favorite artists, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent. His landscape work often features architecture and industrial scenes that demonstrate his interest in engineering and urban-archaeology.
John Brown House, Providence, 1978
His focus has changed over time – at art school in the 1970’s it was the basics: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, silkscreening, photography. As a career professional designer and director in the 80’s onward: it was about experimenting, embracing change, staying ahead of the market. Today, a social-fueled economy requires new skills: social-saavy, collaborations, and partnerships.
Red Wing Bay, Needham, Watercolor, 2017
Kenmore Square, Watercolor, 2015
mRowntree’s projects often explore a subject in a series of works. They provide new ways to see Boston and its neighborhoods: through a gallery experience, print, photography, watercolor, and interactive. Exploration is key to sprouting something new and valuable.
Get Involved
Sprout Partners
Sprout Projects are Partner collaborations that support underprivileged communities of artists and craftspeople. mRowntree coordinates a creative product/marketing supply chain expressly designed to benefit the community group. Sprout projects can be tailored to address different programs – like proving a corporate social responsibility, funding a climate change initiative, or an art auction to benefit an endowment.
Partners →
Volunteers
mRowntree projects often need extra artist, designer, and production hands. If you would like to be contacted with volunteer or intern opportunities when they arise please sign up!