Art-Marco Review : Enthusiasm in Art a personal review of the web site www.art-Marco.com

Written by the artist as a personal review of the web site www.art-marco.com

Art-Marco is a personal art website showcasing handcrafted charcoal, pastel, watercolour and acrylic work.

Why review your own site?

Self reflection is never a bad thing. I have often said to my children, “If you can look yourself in a mirror and feel you have done your best, at whatever you set out to do, then you can do no more and satisfaction will follow. More importantly other people’s reviews, whilst relevant and worthy of consideration carry less weight or surprise. No one likes criticism of their work and in today’s society it seems far to easy to avoid criticism by hiding behind it’s potential impacts. Stress and mental health are the usual avoidance excuses which today’s society is far too ready to accept.

However we all learn from our mistakes.

You can, of course, avoid making mistakes by not making decisions or doing or producing anything that can be criticised. With every artwork that we produce however, we display our inner feelings we set out our creation for others to review whether we like it or not.

So if you can’t take it, then don’t do it.

If, however, you have a passion that drives you to create then understand, at the start, the following principles.

1. Art is subjective. Rarely will you produce something that is universally liked.

2. Criticism is healthy it makes you review, confirm and modify if, in your opinion it’s valid and positive.

3. Honest self review, is probably the most important confirmation that you are on the right track. However the word “honest” carries the most weight here. The difficulty is accepting it and making it a positive action.

4. Enthusiasm and desire to get things done are essential. You will be accused of being impulsive, not taking enough time, making mistakes but don’t ever let that dull your light. We all need a lighthouse when things get tough. You will make mistakes,but each time you do you will learn. The best leaders have failed multiple times and artists are no different.

5. Be prepared to know when, no matter how you have tried to make it right, it is beyond help. Learn from it, don’t make the mistake again and move on.

6. Review by people who care can be deceptive. Be prepared to let those who are impartial have an input.

These are my principles and my approach to my art. In my early business career I was criticised for being careless, not giving enough thought, letting my enthusiasm get the better of me. I am nearly 70, and still have many of those characteristics but history and the lessons learned have tempered them and most importantly I am aware of them and so modify my approach. I still do not suffer fools gladly, I am still enthusiastic and on occasions allow my “can do” attitude to dominate but, that’s why people like me and like you, if you are still reading this, get things done.

So let’s get on with the review.

When developing the Art-Marco web site I set out to make the site feel honest, simple and non-commercial. For me it was important to focus on personal expression and guidance rather than making a traditional online art gallery/shop by a Professional Artist, which I am not. On arrival at the home page, visitors are taken straight to three galleries arranged by medium, making it easy to slowly browse without distractions or heavy marketing. My creations are there up front. If you don’t like them you can move on and therefore not waste any further time.

Mark East aka Marco or Marko

I present myself as self-taught, which is true and produce my art out of passion, rather than for a living. This sincerity and simplicity is, I hope, a part of the website’s charm. Through my blog menu I attempt to add extra value by sharing thoughts on techniques, individual works and the creative process, rather like a small studio journal.

The charcoal pieces show my understanding of tone and structure, while the watercolours are softer and atmospheric.

The acrylics are bolder and more vibrant with the simple site design keeping the focus on the art itself, not me.

Commissions are available by direct contact and as you will have noticed there is no shop, since the art on display is there to show potential clients what commissions are possible. Prices cover materials and a modest amount for time, which reinforces the intention that each piece is unique and handcrafted. I am not here to make a profit rather just cover my costs. This personal costing approach is ideal for buyers who want something customised, such as portraits. However, the lack of detailed information about the commission process—like size options, examples of pricing, shipping details or expected timelines—may leave some visitors uncertain, please don't be. Unlike the impersonal AI driven world we live in I believe in talking regularly to my customers and ensuring regular updates on the progress of your commission.

I am sure there are also areas where the site could improve. The artwork photography could be more consistent in lighting and presentation but in some ways this demonstrates the more artisan approach I have taken. Many pieces lack details such as dimensions, date created or pricing although, as the site is designed as a show piece of commission choices, sizes are somewhat irrelevant. The commission process could probably benefit from a dedicated page explaining how it works but thinking this through it is in fact a very simple process and is based on both email and telephone calls with regular pictorial updates as the commissioned work progresses. To discuss your thoughts and ideas just drop me a line with a rough outline of what you would like and we can start a conversation.

Overall, the Art-Marco web site is aimed at people who value unique, handcrafted artwork and a personal connection with the artist. It is ideal for those who enjoy traditional materials and want custom commissions. It may be less suitable for buyers who expect a full online shop, reviews or instant purchasing.

In conclusion, Art-Marco should make you feel like stepping into my private studio which stands out for offering original art directly to you without mass production or commercial pressure and most importantly very competitve prices. I am always updating and improving the site and my approach to it, so this review is a part of that process.

Plans for 2026 onwards

The newly launched MyEyecon range and www.myeyecon.co.uk web site features giclée prints which will be expanded in time to be the retail arm of Art-Marco.

I will slowly transitioning my brand from Art-Marco to "Art-Marko" this is to prevent any confusion with another artist also using the Marco brand.

Was this UK Artist Review of the Art-Marco web site of use?

We are always interested to receive feedback and comments please give us your thoughts, I am always happy to look in the mirror.