Local Artist Paints Altarpiece For N. Plainfield Church

Mark Romanski has been a professional artist for over 12 years, but his ties to Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church of North Plainfield go back his whole life. Mark is a lifelong North Plainfield resident and as a child he attended St. Joseph’s grammar school and briefly was an altar boy for the Church. Throughout his life, every major religious event has been celebrated at the church. But a recent trip to Europe inspired a painting. In Summer 2008, Mark spent two weeks traveling throughout Italy and Greece, where he saw gorgeous churches with immaculate artwork. Shortly upon return, Romanoski approached Father George, the Pastor of St. Joseph’s to see if there were anything he could do artistically for the Church. Father informed Mark of the recent closing of the grammar school, and explained how the church’s offices were moved to the Convent on Westervelt Avenue. The building housed a small chapel where daily masses were now being held. Romanoski was honored for the opportunity to paint the chapel’s altarpiece. Originally sketches of the crucifixion were drawn, but after much discussion, it was decided that the Chapel’s alter should emulate the main church’s death of Saint Joseph.

The Story of Joseph’s Passing

There is no biblical writing of Joseph’s death, however, tradition states that Saint Joseph died a peaceful death with Mary and Jesus at his side. They briefly left the room and Joseph was visited by God the Father whom asked him to inform the souls in purgatory that His Son Jesus is on Earth and the Gates of Heaven will soon be open. Joseph agreed and God ascended to Heaven, and the Holy Spirit came to Saint Joseph and relieved him of all pain. Jesus and Mary returned to the room and upon seeing peace in Joseph’s face, Mary cried tears of joy.

In Catholic tradition, Joseph is the patron saint to pray to for a peaceful death. Although the painting has spiritual elements, artistically Romanoski wanted to focus on the family unit – Mother and Son, Husband and Wife. “I wanted people to be able to relate to the painting. I used friends and family members as subjects for Mary, Jesus and Joseph. I tried to refrain from using the golden-brown earthly colors that are traditionally associated with religious imagery. I added color to make the painting more contemporary.” Romanoski tried to stay as close to the essence of the story as possible. If you look closely, Mary’s eye begins to moisten, forming a tear.

Tradition Passed On - Mark Romanoski is first to admit that he has been fortunate in his career. He graduated Kean University in 1992 with a BFA in Illustration. Shortly after graduation, he met Tim and Greg Hildebrandt. The Brothers Hildebrandt, a fantasy art duo known the world over for such illustrations as the original Star Wars poster and the 1976-78 J.R.R. Tolkien calendars. Tim taught him two of his most important lessons: “One – That I had a lot to learn. And two – that the only God-given talent was a matter of perseverance. Skill was achieved through hard work and dedication.” Shortly after meeting Tim, Romanoski was introduced to illustrator Joe DeVito, best known as the creator of “Kong: King of Skull Island.” Joe and Mark developed an apprentice-style relationship. He taught Mark an academic approach to drawing, painting and picture making. Joe encouraged Mark to enroll in the Art Student’s League, where Mark studied the drawing and painting techniques of Frank Reilly, the man credited with formalizing academic philosophies of illustration. When he had absorbed all he could from the ASL, he moved on to the duCret School of Art where he was introduced to Peter Caras, a well-known artist in his own right and a protégé of the legendary Norman Rockwell and Jim Bama. Caras started out as a mentor but became a better friend. They still remain friends today, with Romanoski constantly learning from Caras.

In 1998, Romanoski’s education came full-circle when he was hired by The Brothers Hildebrandt to work in their studio as their first-ever art assistant. Shortly after, with the help of his former business manager, Jean Scrocco, Mark launched his own career. He states proudly “Joe DeVito taught me almost everything I know about painting and drawing; Peter Caras taught me how to make sense of it all; and Tim and Greg taught me how to apply it as a professional.” Professionally, Mark’s clients include Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studios, Universal Studios, World of Warcraft, D.C. Comics, Magic the Gathering and Moonstone Books to name a few. In 2001, he painted an illustration for the World Wrestling Federation that was blown up to a 4 1/2 story banner and hung in the middle of Times Square for the New Year’s Eve celebration. He is also an accomplished muralist, painting commercial and residential murals throughout New York and New Jersey, most recently completing two 8-foot murals in the Federal Court building in Newark. Mark is also passing on his education as an instructor at the duCret School of Art in Plainfield and as an adjunct professor at Kean University.

On March 6, 2011, at the 11 am. mass at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, there was a ceremony to bless the painting, which was followed by a reception in the Church Hall. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church is located on the corner of Watchung Avenue and Jackson Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ.

To view Mark’s illustrations visit his personal website Mark-Romanoski.com and his mural work at artisticalternatives.com. To learn more about duCret's upcoming SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM for children and adults or FALL COURSE INFORMATION visit duCret School of Art.