Markelian Hila was born in 1977 in Albania.
His childhood was one of being always outdoors: wondering, wandering and daydreaming in the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coastal town.
He was always drawing from a very young age and took professional academy drawing classes from as young as 6 years old. This daily encounter with beauty naturally influenced Markelian's work and encouraged drawing and painting the Mediterranean landscape and seascape. Markelian moved to Santorini at the age of 15 and made a living with pastel portrait paintings. After 6 years Markelian moved around Europe, first in Venice, then Paris, Brussels, Bonn and London. Markelian attended the University of Arts in Tirana and later pursued a career in cinematography, finishing a cinematography diploma from New York Film Academy in NYC. Working in film, TV and as a freelance cinematographer across 4 continents, Markelian developed an eye for light and design, which he later translated into his paintings.
Markelian works in many mediums, however oils are his favourite workhorse. He loves both plain air painting and studio painting. He is influenced by the great works of leading landscape artists like Clyde Aspevig, Joe Paquet and Shanna Kunz, exploring colour through the prismatic palette and leaning towards loose brushwork, achieving painterly realism.
His current inspiration is the Australian Landscape and seascape and also working from photographs depicting the many places he has visited and has a connection with. His philosophy is one rooted in deep connection and sensitivity to his beloved subjects.
Markelian welcomes private commissions for portraits and landscapes.