Marco Schmidli’s work is known for its sensitive surfaces and subtle textures. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color. There are infinite possibilities on how to apply paint onto a surface and he often creates his own tools for that purpose.
Swiss-born, Schmidli studied photography and fine art in Switzerland and Rome. He worked as a photographer and painter in Zurich before moving to California in 1989. After coming to California, Schmidli developed his work making backdrops for luxury photography. Working with top photographers, art directors, and set designers; Schmidli has set the industry standard in his work with clients such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more.
His paintings are the culmination of nearly 50 years of painting experience. Schmidli combines his creativity with an open mind and a combination of an intuitive and resourceful approach to art. The artist says of his process, “An important aspect of my artwork is the removal of my own artistic hand. Instead of controlling and demanding the paint move and act a certain way, I let the paint naturally manifest and express its pure form/ true colors/ most natural movement.”
His paintings have appeared in highly respected magazine publications, films, and branding. With work featured in fashion spreads of icons such as Nike and Balenciaga, celebrity photographers such as Annie Liebovitz and Peter Lindberg, and a lengthy list of editorial work in leading magazines and newspapers across the world.
