Mark Finne
Maker Monday - January 2026
About the Artist
Name: Mark Finne
Medium: painting, mixed media, photography
Years creating: 30
Based in: Kingston RI
website finneland.com (no passport required)
Instagram: @markfinne
Click an image to view portfolio slideshow
”Mark Finne is an award-winning artist and photographer who has been involved in the art world for decades, both locally in Rhode Island as well as in New York City. His work has been acquired by countless collectors who were moved by his use of color, shape, and movement. Recently, his 3D paintings have caught the attention of many visitors to our exhibits” - SCAA
Where are you from, and what do you make?
I currently live in North Kingstown.
I make art. Often. Paintings, mixed-media, & photography. Like consuming food and water...I create to stay alive.
How long have you been seriously pursuing art?
30+ years. It's time for a retrospective! SCAA? Larry Gagosian? The Whitney? Who's ready? I am.
What inspires you to create?
Good question. For a long time it was scuba diving and skydiving excursions. Now, my obsession with recycling/upcycling/re-presenting materials that many people purge-in a manner that unnecessarily overloads landfills. And nature. There's such beauty in this world. I am constantly amazed. Rainforests. Mountains. Caves. Landscapes. Our sky and beyond. C'mon. Clouds, Sunrises, sunsets, the moon & stars...
Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?
Oh, damn. Outside of my chosen medium? That eliminates so many great artists. Well, then: James Turrell. That dude is a magician of light. He transforms space with color-derived from non-painted surfaces. He thinks outside of the box. I like that.
Otherwise, the artists that most impact my art are Joseph Albers, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh & Salvador Dali. Ask me why during a studio visit...
Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
I cannot that it has changed my life, but, Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is one of my all-time favorite works of art. I did a piece entitled "Starree Nite" -inspired by, but, looked nothing like Van Gogh's-and sold it to a VP at Goldman Sachs for (don't wanna be gauche) let's just say several month's studio rent (at the time).
As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?
The staff at SCAA are an amazing group of caring, considerate, talented, & intelligent individuals. I am honored to once again be a part of this organization. What do I like most about SCAA? I feel like a family member-not just a face in the crowd.
Tell us a joke.
What was Salvador Dali's favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
A bowl of surreal.