Mark Pettit was born in 1955 in Corpus Christi, Texas. From an early age he knew that he wanted to become an artist. By devoting his efforts toward his goals, he was able to study privately with several accomplished artists who influenced his direction. He also studied at the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland, a school devoted to the classic techniques of the Old Masters. By the time he was in his mid 20's, he had already established a reputation as a fine artist with several sold-out exhibitions in his native Texas.

The primary subject of Pettit's oils is the panoramic American landscape, as well as still life and European paintings. For almost two decades, he has spent part of each year in Italy painting the beautiful Tuscan countryside and the canals of Venice. He demonstrates a unique link between classic and modern painting.

Pettit has received national recognition through numerous successful one-man and group exhibitions across the country. His work is in constant demand by a large following of admiring and discerning collectors around the world.

Mark and his wife, Brenda, live near Ridgway, Colorado, where they find the Colorado Rockies an inspirational atmosphere in which to live and work. He paints outdoors whenever possible for he feels the direct relationship with nature is the most important element in an artist's learning process and evokes the greatest emotion and desire to create.