About the Artist

Why Paint?

"I paint because I believe beauty matters, so I observe beauty and create a soft pastel art piece in response.  I'm quite in awe of creation, whether the subject is created by God or man, and I paint what makes me stop and look. It can be a very small element that I notice:  adjacent colors, the feeling and memory of a place, movement from weather, intersection of lines, contrast and fleeting light. I have a loose style using bold color with abstraction.  Typically I focus on landscape, seascape and architecture. My hope is that the details I leave out, allow the viewer space to experience the painting in a personal way. The direct transfer of energy from my hand to the surface is one of the many aspects I love about the drawing/painting medium of soft pastel. With the piece , I'm giving applause to what grabs my attention.  In my depiction I say, 'I see you, I am amazed and in awe. You get center stage'. The finished work is a journal of a moment in my life, influenced by the many adventures and experiences of a lifetime."  

Artist Bio

Marti is a soft pastel artist who began developing her art skills in earnest in 2022. After experimenting with several art mediums she decided to focus on soft pastel, which to her, blends the brilliance of oils with the dreaminess of watercolor. Marti credits hiking, camping, earning a B.A. in Biology, travel and film photography as her observational beginnings.  She is the mom of three adult children and lives in central Arkansas with her husband of many years. She is a juried Associate member of the Pastel Society of America and a member of the Arkansas Pastel Society and Conway League of Artists.

Exhibitions & Awards 

Pastel Artists of Oregon Spirit of Pastel Juried International Online Exhibition 2024

Red Rocks Pastel Society of Nevada Juried Members Online Exhibition 2024

Honorable Mention Arkansas Pastel Society Members Show 2024

First Place Dry Media Conway League of Artists Members Show 2023

First Place Landscape Conway League of Artists Members Show 2022

View Art in a Room Feature

William Morris, well-known interior designer, once said: " have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful , or believe to be beautiful." I began viewing interior spaces this way after taking Interior Design courses years ago.  I create, certainly as a form of expression but I want my pastel works to enrich and add joy and interest to someone's interior space. Original art has a different presence than mass produced art. It is made with real pigments  which reflect light brilliantly. When buying any art for yourself, go with your gut. If it intrigues you, if you find yourself lost in it a bit, or drawn to it repeatedly, it might be for you. My website has the "view in a room" feature. If a piece is for sale you can click on "More Viewing Options" or "Room" below the art. This allows you to visualize the scale and vibe of the art a bit better.

Thanks so much for looking at my website and feel free to contact me with any questions!

-Marti