~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome to the first (of what I hope to be weekly installments) of Friday Favorite artists – artists whose work inspires me so much that I just can’t keep it to myself!
This Friday’s Feature artist is Martha Marshall – a full time professional artist providing decorative paintings and fine art prints for the corporate interior design trade and for private collectors throughout the United States and abroad. Fast becoming recognized throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, Martha's artwork has been featured in numerous gallery shows from Washington DC to the southernmost tip of Florida. Martha's works can be found in major collections throughout the United States.
Martha has been a working artist for more than 20 years. At first she painted while still employed in the corporate world and raising her family. She painted nights and weekends, every spare minute that she had, and showed her work in outdoor art festivals and group shows, attracting the attention of judges and galleries along the way.
Then in 1997, she made the decision to devote full time to her first love, painting. She participated in national exhibitions, became an active part of regional and national art organizations, won still more awards, and acquired representation by several galleries across the eastern United States.
Martha's art business has now expanded in the direction of custom art work for the design trade.
She writes:
My paintings encompass aspects of atmosphere, moods, or places. Nature is often a beginning point for my primary fascination with the seemingly magical interactions of colors achieved by multiple layers of paint. I begin with large, bold strokes, and then continue to refine and build upon preceding layers of color and texture, working toward a surface that leaves clues to underlying marks and traces. My paintings are meant to be experienced more than analyzed. I feel that a successful painting invites the viewer to slow down, be fully present in the moment, and remain there for a little while.
What I love about Martha’s paintings are the layers, textures, and richness of color. The space, depth and gesture also detail the process of her paintings. I hope you enjoy her work as well! You can see more of her wonderful work on her website. I'd also encourage you to take a look at her inspiring blog: An Artist's Journal.
TGIF!
Mary