“Michael Martin Oil Paintings" - September Exhibition at Bernardsville Library

Bernardsville Public Library is pleased to present an exhibition of oil paintings by Chatham resident Michael Martin on view in September during regular library hours.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Martin was inspired by artists at an early age. Frequent visits to the major museums and New York City galleries afforded him the opportunity to be exposed both to classic and contemporary artists. After a brief stint in Northern Virginia, he settled in New Jersey and enjoyed a "schizophrenic career" in pharmaceutical technology evaluation and painting as a part-time avocation. Traveling on business enabled him to enjoy art museums in different countries thereby enriching his base understanding of oil painting.

Mr. Martin focuses exclusively on oil painting and paints a variety of subjects: portraits, landscapes, still-lifes. "Art is basic communication," he says, "Make it provocative, colorful and interesting. Engage the viewer with curious subject matter." His style focuses on colorful intriguing subjects designed to be thought-provoking. "When painting, inspiration is key…look for the strong contrasts and focus on the center of attention," he continues, "Establish a basic outline and let the creativity flow. The adventure of applying paint to a canvas provides the inspiration to the artist. I use palette knifes at key points in the painting in order to let the colors mix visually. Keep the shadows cool and transparent but apply opaque highlights. The painting has to move the viewer. Landscapes, still-lifes, portraits...I enjoy them all."

Over the past 30 years, Mr. Martin has studied at the Arts Student League in New York and the Summit Center for Visual Arts. He was also tutored by a variety of private and professional instructors including presidential portrait painter, Everett Raymond Kinstler. He is a member of the Livingston Art Association and the Portraits Society of America and has exhibited widely in New Jersey.

This exhibition will be on view in the library’s Community Room during regular library hours unless a meeting is in progress. For further information, please call the library at 908-766-0118.

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Attachment: “Leaving Home” by Michael Martin