Marco Ventura

Illustrator | Milan, Italy

Expressions beyond first impressions

Marco creates oil illustrations of human figures and landscapes from life
His works range from book covers to advertising campaigns
He has designed stamps for the British Royal Mail and the Vatican

Marco Ventura combines classical training with a contemporary vision defined by precision, layered glazes and symbolic depth in his illustrations. Born into an artistic family, he studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the School of Visual Arts in New York before building an international career in illustration. "I take on various projects, from book covers to commercial campaigns. I have also worked on prestigious commissions, including postal stamps for the Vatican, the British Royal Mail and the Republic of San Marino," Marco says. He has received Silver Medals from the American Society of Illustrators and the Merit Award of the Society of Publication Designers, Marco's work has been shown in major exhibitions across Europe and North America.

Interview

What does your creative process look like?: I explore structure and composition in several pencil sketches. Once the image takes shape, I move to oil painting or sculpting in plasticine. Drawing remains the instinctive and essential gesture that opens every creative process for me.
Are there recurring themes in your art?: I am drawn to the human figure and to painting landscapes from life. These subjects offer emotional depth and endless variation, both technically and symbolically, which allows me to explore form, presence and atmosphere.
What emotions do you wish to evoke in viewers?: I want the viewer to first be drawn to the main subject, then gradually uncover hidden details. The illustrations hold small elements that narrate a second story within the work. They are quieter but just as meaningful, and they invite reflection beyond first impressions.
Who are the artists who shape your style?: I am influenced by Italian and Flemish Renaissance painters, and 1930s figurative sculptors like Wildt, Martini and Vigeland. Their use of drama, symbolism and emotional depth continues to shape my artistic language and visual storytelling today.

Marco Ventura is a master artisan: he began his career in 1984 and he started teaching in 1991