Mark Ryden’s paintings instantly trigger a warped nostalgic feeling. His work is reminiscent of the parallel universe of the 1950s Golden Books and of Lewis Carroll. His cheery bunnies, rendered in the glowing hues of children’s books, are likely to be carving slabs of meat rather than frolicking in the forest. Ryden’s work mingles superb technique with outrageous imagery to create a world of strange and disturbing beauty.

Mark was part of a very creative family. His father, Keith, made his living painting, restoring, and customizing cars. Mark’s mother, Barbara, while dedicated her life to raising her 5 children, was always busy with a creative project of one kind or another and encouraged her children in the pursuit of their own art. Mark’s older brother KRK, an underground artist notorious in the counter culture, gave Mark an early introduction to art.

Mark’s paintings are treasured by collectors all over the world. A few of his clients include Stephen King, Leonardo DiCaprio, Patrick Leonard, Ringo Starr, Danny Elfman, Kirk Hammett, Paul Leary, Chris Carter, Don Was, Kidada Jones, Bridget Fonda, Henry Selik and the famous anti-mogul Long Gone John.

Currently, Mark paints high atop a magic castle in Pasadena, California. You can find him late at night in his studio amog his many trinkets, statues, skeletons, saints, and old toys that he collects for inspiration.