ABOUT
Marc Raphael is a contemporary abstract artist based in Los Angeles. A former K-12 teacher turned full-time painter, Raphael is known for his “jazz-like improvisations on canvas.” Influenced by the New York School of the 1940s and 50s, especially Jackson Pollock, Raphael has refined his action painting technique over the years and has arrived at his own style. As both the source and subject of his art, Raphael views his art-making as a process of self-discovery.
Self-taught, Raphael painted his first abstract expressionist paintings in 1991 and pursued his art alongside a 25-year career as a K-12 teacher. In 2020, he transitioned to being a full-time artist.
“It’s never too late to follow your dream.”
Working out of a garage studio for more than a year, Raphael immersed himself in painting, learning everything he could about his materials, (acrylic, latex, mediums, and canvas), painting process, and techniques. Highly productive and prolific during this time, he recognized his growth and transformation as an artist. Ready to take his art and career to the next level, he moved his studio to the Hawthorne Arts Complex (HAC) where he placed himself in the middle of a thriving and stimulating community of practicing and professional artists. This shift in environment proved to be the catalyst Raphael needed to instill his identity as an artist, raise the quality of his art, work in larger formats, grow his network of relationships within the LA art scene, and develop his business acumen.
During his time at HAC, he established a presence on two e-commerce online art platforms and social media, had his art accepted by online and brick-and-mortar galleries, showcased his art at local art festivals, and partnered with Artspace Warehouse gallery who have been instrumental in introducing Raphael’s art to national and international clients.
Today, Marc primarily works out of his studio in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, blocks from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He also has another studio in downtown San Pedro amidst an established arts community. Whether he is in his studio creating colorful eye-catching abstracts, curating a group art show, giving an interview about his art and practice, exhibiting his art in a gallery, or participating in a local or regional art festival, Marc continues to expand his presence in the LA art scene and grow his name recognition in the process.
If you are in Los Angeles, schedule a studio visit or stop by Artspace Warehouse.