I’m Martha, an Artist from Santa Fe

I believe creating art should be a wonderful and, at times, surprising journey. I primarily work with oils to paint flowers and landscapes, but I also experiment with different mediums and subjects.
My goal—my passion, really—is to spark emotion. I want people to feel joy when they see my work because that’s what art has brought me over the years.

The sunsets, sunrises, flowers, and architecture of my Southwest heritage was my initial inspiration when I began my life as an artist.

I’ve always been surrounded by artists at home. First it was my uncle, a carpenter whose creativity fascinated me. Then I watched my three brothers—watercolorist, tinsmith, and goldsmith— create their own magic. I wanted to be creative, too, and discover my passion. I doodled and colored on paper, naturally gravitating towards vibrant and intense color.

As I walked to and from school on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I saw plein air artists painting flowers and landscapes. Tommy Macaione in particular was my idol. Watching him inspired me the same way my family did.

I formally studied art at the Art Students League of Denver and the Park Hill Art Club, as well as at a plein air conference in Santa Fe and workshops in Italy. I continue to learn, recently focusing on palette knife impasto techniques.

I look forward to working on larger canvases and abstract flower paintings a la Georgia O’Keeffe, another of my idols.

Browse My Artwork

Appearances

Clearlight Jewelry - Summer 2020

In summer 2020 I walked into Clearlight Jewelry on Canyon Road and met Rose Moore, the owner. We talked about the neighborhood; I spoke about what it was like growing up surrounded by artists and how it inspired me to start my own artistic journey. At Rose’s request, I showed her some of my work and she invited me to show some pieces at her gallery. I was humbled and excited to show on Canyon Road, where my childhood dream to be an artist began. It was a thrill and a career highlight.