Mark Acornley

Welcome

Thank you for stopping by my new website.

My journey with the arts began at a young age, though it wasn’t always a joyful one. One of my earliest memories is receiving a paint-by-numbers set for Christmas. I was so excited to create something beautiful—but in elementary school, a teacher ridiculed a clay elephant I had made. That moment deeply affected me, and I turned away from expressing myself creatively for a long time.

At 12, I received my first camera. Photography quickly became a quiet passion—something I enjoyed throughout the years. I didn’t return to painting until much later, after moving to Washington, D.C., to attend Wesley Theological Seminary. There, I was fortunate to find a community of friends who were deeply involved in the arts. With their encouragement, I rediscovered my love for painting. Having access to a studio where I could create freely was an incredible gift.

Eventually, life led me to a smaller apartment, and I had to set my paints aside. But that shift brought me back to photography—this time with a deeper, more artistic lens. Nearly 20 years later, I’m merging my love for painting and photography into a creative expression I’m excited to share with the world.

I hope you enjoy exploring my work. If something touches your spirit or simply brings you joy, I’d love to hear from you. All artwork is original, and all photographs are available in a variety of print sizes.

With gratitude,
Mark Acornley