Born in Germany to American missionary parents, Gingerich grew up both in Hamburg and Madison County, Ohio.  After winning national awards in his teenage years for his paintings, Gingerich attended the Atelier du Nord School of Classical Realism in Minnesota.  He has also attended workshops at the Scottsdale and Fredicksburg Art Schools with notable painters such as Matt Smith, Ralph Oberg and John Budicin.  A founding member of the Ohio Plein Air Society, Gingerich was selected as one of six artists to create works for “Paint Ohio”, the Ohio bicentennial celebration in 2003.  Representing historic scenes from each of the 88 counties in Ohio, the project culminated in a traveling exhibition supporting the Ohio Historical Society and a book publication, The Land We Call Ohio.

A skilled brick mason and craftsman as well as painter, Gingerich’s interest in representational artwork has not been commonly associated with the Amish Mennonite tradition.  However, as an artist who paints en plein air, Gingerich embraces the history and challenge of painting outside on location.  Indeed, his looseness of style and composition of color and light draw upon the French Barbizon and Impressionist aesthetics.

Gingerich’s paintings are also included in numerous collections, including the Ohio Governor’s Mansion and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Gingerich lives and works in West Jefferson, Ohio.

Mark Gingerich Archive