Chiaroscuro in art is a style of painting using strong contrasts between light and dark; a technique developed to add drama to an image that was popular during the Baroque period of painting. It’s a technique that’s also popular with local artist Phil Martin, who has been painting in that style his whole life. While the technique utilizes often intense contrasts of light and dark, there is nothing dim about the talent and heart that lies within Martin. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Martin, about his life, his love for art and his upcoming event “Petals and Paint.” Martin, along with three other local artists, are set to host the 2nd Annual “Petals and Paint” art exhibition and open house on June 29th at Martin’s home. The event will feature a variety of works from four local artists for sale and is open to the public.
A Coronado resident for 17 years, Martin classifies himself as a traditional, classical artist. As we chatted, he gave me a tour of his home, his magnificent gardens and his backyard studio which were adorned with his vast collection of masterpieces, which resemble the works of Rembrandt, he’s created a mix of still lifes and portraits, some of models and some of friends (including a few of his art teacher), which all embody an amazing use of light and dark.
“Portraits are the hardest,” Martin says. “They show the first mistake.”
Martin’s art may be serious, but we enjoyed quite a few laughs as we sat in his garden and talked about his art. When explaining to me how he settled on his particular style, he explained that Caravaggio, who developed the Chiaroscuro method, was jailed on several occasions and ultimately had a death warrant for him issued by the Pope.
“That’s my guy!” Martin quipped.
Martin revealed the story of an unlikely friendship he had with the infamous popcorn tycoon Orville Redenbacher. The two would frequently have dinner together after they met when Martin photographed Redenbacher for a magazine.
“He was exactly like he appeared in the commercials. His hair is the same. His bowtie is the same,” recalls Martin.
Martin will often get up at 5 a.m. to begin painting for the day. He may start several paintings in one morning before allowing them time to dry before revisiting them. He uses glazing, which requires the use of many layers of paint and color, wet onto dry, to create the final effect.
In addition to the works displayed in his home and studio, Martin, who calls himself a “reluctant seller of art,” also has paintings on display in a gallery in Switzerland.
During our meeting, we were joined by another local artist, Tina Christiansen, who will also have her works on display at the art event. Christiansen and Martin met only just a few months ago through their connections with the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, yet while talking with the pair, one would have guessed they’ve been friends for years.
Christiansen, who hails from a military family and went to high school in Coronado, is an architect by profession who is recently retired. She paints in watercolor and acrylics in an impressionist style; her paintings depicting quintessential California sunsets, exquisite marine life and stunning beach scenes with vibrant colors. While Martin utilizes darkness in his art, Christiansen’s works are characterized by a strong sense of color, light and form.
Walter Redondo is a mixed media artist, and primarily paints in an abstract expressionist style. He’s been creating works of art since he was young and often creates works depicting water. Redondo, who is a former tennis pro and holds a victory over John McEnroe, has developed his unique style over the last 20 years, using art as a tool to create and communicate.
French born Jean Pierre Marques has developed a unique style of working with various mediums using vibrant, brilliant colors. He is a master of Yoga, Meditation/Breathing, Tai Chi and Martial Arts and incorporates harmony, spirituality and beauty into all of his paintings. Says Martin “His work is very zen. You can tell he’s a yogi.” His paintings have been sold to private collectors all over the world.
The works of Martin, Christiansen, Redondo and Marques will be featured and available for purchase at “Petals and Paint.” Guests can meander through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the art that will be on display throughout, all the while sipping on Martin’s famous Spanish Sangria. Last year’s event was a huge success with over 250 in attendance and 40 paintings sold.
Rooster and the Man by Philip Martin
Christiansen commented that “the more you are exposed to other artists and their work, the more you can all learn from each other.”
“We know we are doing something special,” says Martin. “We want to share it.
Event Information:
“Petals and Paint”
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Noon Sunset
1533 Pendleton Road
Coronado, CA 92118
For more information on the artists, please visit:
Phil Martin: pcmartist.com
Tina Christiansen: TinaChristiansen.net
Walter Redondo: alexandersalazarfineart.com/artists/walterredondo
Jean Pierre Marques: jeanpierrefineart.com
Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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