So where to begin?
Mark Woods is a North London–based illustrator and plein air painter, and a graduate of Central Saint Martins, where he studied Graphic Design and Illustration in the early ’90s. He went on to build a career across museums, exhibitions, and events, embedding drawing into his design practice wherever possible, from quick workbook sketches to digital work on Procreate.
Though painting took a back seat for a time, it never disappeared. Today, his practice is rooted in direct observation, using a fluid, intuitive approach that lets each subject dictate its own visual language. Working quickly and with intent, he favours an economy of mark making, capturing just enough detail to suggest form, atmosphere, and presence without overworking the surface.
His work centres on distilling the character of a place, with a particular focus on the urban landscape. Woods creates intimate “portraits” of buildings, often those on the cusp of renovation or demolition, capturing their structure, light, and quiet personality before they vanish from the city.
Alongside this, he has rekindled a deep engagement with life drawing, using charcoal, pastel, pencil, and even an eraser as a mark-making tool to capture the stillness and soul of the human form. His work has been exhibited widely across London, including at the Affordable Art Fair and galleries such as Green & Stone, Candid Arts Trust, Stark Gallery, Ovenden Gallery, and Francis Iles Gallery—a reflection of a practice that feels both refined and re-energised, driven by a rediscovered creative spark.
Representation
Debut Art, London
Ovenden Art, Cambridge
The Stark Gallery, Blackheath
Francis Iles Gallery, Rochester
The Affordable Art Fair, London
Previous Shows
Spring Exhibition - Lily Selaville Gallery, 16th - 23rd April 2026
A slightly bonkers gallery, almost impossible to find just off Rye Lane in Peckham—tucked away inside the Aylesham Centre in what used to be a shop. For the Spring Exhibition private view, the space was crammed with great work—drawings, oils, sculpture… and even a set of weighing scales where every setting hilariously read “FAT”.
Met a bunch of artists I hadn’t come across before (always a win), so definitely some new connections to keep up with. All in all, a really fun, slightly chaotic evening.
Previous Shows
Winter Salon - Candid Arts Gallery, 6th February – 22nd February 2026
Hot on the heels of my last show at Candid Arts Trust, three of my London sketches were selected for the Winter Salon. I couldn’t make the private view on 5th February (annoyingly), but made it down that weekend instead.
The show was packed with seriously strong work, so it felt great to see my pieces up there—and even better, hanging in a nice prominent spot.
Previous Shows
Candid Arts Gallery (Not the) London Art Fair, 20th -25th January 2026
A great evening at the gloriously eccentric Candid Arts Trust in Islington. Busy, buzzy, and full of artists and familiar faces. I loved having a wander and taking in the mix of work on show.
My two pieces were tucked into a corner of the ground floor gallery, but honestly, they looked spot on together. It was also the first time I’ve seen the Snowdonia drawings properly hung, the frames finally made sense in that big warehouse space. And Reed’s Wharf… well, that one holds its own anywhere.
Previous Shows
The Gallery at Green & Stone, 7th Annual Summer Exhibition, 28th July – 28th August 2025
Absolutely thrilled (and a little bit stunned) that my portrait “Dwayne in Studio 12” was selected for exhibition at the very stylish Green & Stone. The show was curated from a huge number of entries by Jonathan Yeo and Charmaine Watkiss, which makes it feel even more special to be included.
The private view was packed - so much so that speeches and awards spilled out onto the pavement. The standard of work was incredible, and I felt genuinely proud to have my piece hanging among it all. The exhibition runs from 28th July to 28th August, do drop in if you can, and if something catches your eye… you know what to do.
Previous Shows
Chelsea Art Society – 76th Annual Summer Exhibition, 19th - 23rd June 2025
A big thank you to the Chelsea Art Society for selecting one of my Hampstead Heath drawings for their 76th Annual Summer Exhibition—always a brilliant show to be part of.
It’s on at the Chelsea Old Town Hall on the King’s Road for the week. The private view was packed (and seriously warm), with loads of great work on show - paintings, sculpture, the lot… but obviously, keep an eye out for mine.
Previous Shows
Urban Sketchers London – March 22 - 30, 2025
Like London buses—after years of rejection emails, three of my drawings land at once. Delighted to have work selected for the London Urban Sketchers exhibition at the The Art Pavilion Mile End Park.
They’re all personal favourites too: a much-loved tree on Hampstead Heath, the River Lea drifting past Three Mills Island, and a moody, atmospheric view across South London from a high-rise in Elephant & Castle. The private view was a great one—brilliant to meet fellow artists and see such a strong mix of work all in one place.
Drawing Humans – March 12 - 29, 2025
Incredibly proud to be part of the Drawing Humans exhibition at the XYZ Gallery in London’s West End - a brilliant, high-energy show packed with talent. Huge thanks to Living Art, and to curators Alex and Françoise, for making it happen, and for selecting five of my drawings to be included.
With 99 artists in the mix, it’s a proper celebration of figurative work. The show runs until 29th March, with all pieces available to view and buy online. The private view was a great one - busy, buzzing, and full of familiar faces, including artists and models I’ve worked with over the years.
