"Before we surface" Painting

“For me, the creative process is a constant search for works that are not only perceived but felt. I believe the primary function of art is to transmit sensitivity and evoke sensations, establishing an emotional bridge with those who contemplate it. Once the work is created, art becomes an open space where interpretation is always a vital and subjective act, enriching the aesthetic experience for each individual.”

Marco Ortolan – Architect and Visual Artist

Trained in the plastic arts since 1985 at the Academy of Miguel Pérez Macías, Marco developed a strong foundation in drawing and painting, influenced by the Italian Renaissance and French Impressionism. Over time, he incorporated ballpoint pen into his practice, refining a technique that blends precision, gesture, and expressive linework.

His body of work moves between two complementary languages: oil painting and ballpoint pen drawing, often enhanced with ink. The central themes—human connection, emotional depth, and urban presence—are approached with a quiet, structured, and introspective gaze.

Marco’s oil paintings are known for their dense, atmospheric compositions. Using a restrained palette of blacks, greys, deep blues, and warm accents, he creates scenes that feel suspended in time: underwater moments, silent cityscapes, and gestures caught mid-motion. Color is used sparingly and intentionally, turning the canvas into a space of emotional tension. Works such as *Still the Water*, *Kissing Underwater*, *NYC Night*, and *Lovers* reflect this exploration of what remains unspoken.

In parallel, his drawings on paper offer a more intimate and direct approach. Executed in ballpoint pen and occasionally touched with ink, these pieces reveal a meditative, deliberate linework. Each stroke is precise, each shadow carefully built. The drawings revisit similar themes—portraits, love, music, identity—but from a quieter, more personal angle. Notable works include *The Model*, *Loving You*, *Jazz (Charlie Parker)*, and *AFRICA*.

What unites both series is a clear intention: to create spaces of connection. Marco’s works don’t seek to explain—they invite reflection. His style balances emotion with structure, graphic clarity with painterly depth, forming a visual language that speaks through simplicity, silence, and restraint.

For a deeper look into his creative process and philosophy, you can watch the Interview with Marco Ortolan

(https://www.youtube.