"Adrift is a painting of a young woman in a boat but as I painted it, my thinking was that she represents someone that is uncertain about something in her life or maybe uncertain about life in general. Perhaps she's facing a big decision. She's not actually in a boat but I wanted the boat to represent her life. The "boat" has no paddle so she's not totally in control...there is no visible shore...left to drift with the wind and tide."
"I feel a kinship with realist figurative painters of the late 19th century...Waterhouse, Bougereau, Draper, Leighton and others. I am especially intrigued by classically painted figures that tell a story beyond the obvious....often through symbolism.
The models I use are people that I know. Often, I use their personality as a starting point for a painting's theme. Sometimes a theme will evolve as the painting progresses. The observation of form and personality is a continuing source of inspiration."
Martin graduated with honors from Ringling School of Art in 1981. His figurative works won acclaim in the Sarasota area by such notables as Thornton Utz who declared a life drawing by Martin as the best work in the 1981 student show. His love of figurative works has led to numerous commissions over the last 30+ years including a 20+ year association with the National Park Service.
Martin's personal paintings and drawings have won awards in local, regional and national shows. Martin grew up in South Carolina. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Newnan, GA.
.MMG Gallery I 103 Broad Street,Charleston, SC 29401Gallery Row - Historic Broad Street
843-723-0303 Call ahead for parking
MMG Gallery II 122 Market St. The Shops at Charleston Place, Charleston Place Hotel Belmond
843-640-3324 Garage attached to hotel from Hasell Street
Selected as best gallery in South Carolina 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, 2018.
Selected as one of the top twenty-five galleries in America 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Selected by Charleston Living as the Best of the Best 2018
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