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Hi! This is where you get to find out a little bit about me and
my
background, and where I get to share with you about my life, my
inspirations, and my style of art...
I'm a self taught folk-realist Animal Painter that just
happened to go
to art school (I received a BA from Stetson University in Deland,
Florida
in 1978). My art is mostly about companion animals and Virginia
Country
Life. It is not unusual in my work to see glimpses of
relationships
between domesticated pets and wildlife.
I have learned much from
the
animals that have blessed my life. My first love has always been
horses. I
actually started drawing horses in 1960, when I was a child. My
dad's work
was such that we moved a lot, so I couldn't have a pony like most
of my
friends, at the time. Drawing helped to feed my imagination and my
longing
for a horse of my own. From Horses, pet chickens, sheep and ducks,
to
goldfish, cats, and dogs and, of course, my rabbits. I have
learned so
much from them. But
the one who has taught me the most and pricked my
imagination over
the last 14 years is my boy cat, Nikki.
When Nikki was young (He will be 16 in August 2009), every
morning at
the same time, I would hear the crows calling from the
hemlock
trees just behind my little house. Nikki would then go to the
back
door and just stand there looking at me. If I didn't let him out,
he would
then jump up onto the radio that I kept on the
counter . He
would turn it on and off with his foot, until I let him outdoors.
It took
me a quite few times before I realized what was really going on.
As it turned
out, there
was a pod of deer, consisting of a buck, four doe and
their offspring living there in the stand of hemlocks only 20
feet or
so outside my back door. The huge trees had grown so close
together
over the years, that they made an area almost as snug and dry as
any barn
in winter. When deer were ready to go graze each morning, the
crows living
above them in the trees would announce it. Nikki then knew it was
his cue
to go out.
One morning, as I let Nikki out, I looked up. Two fawns were
standing
there looking at us. They were waiting for Nikki. Much to my
surprise
Nikki walked right up and greeted them like old friends. Then off
they all
went toward the old apple orchard. Nikki would play with the
babies. He
also hunted mice as the older deer grazed through the tall orchard
grass.
When it was time to bed down for the night, back they would all
come. Nik
would push on the screen door with his front paw, knocking to be
let in.
This was the daily routine for the 5 years we lived at that
location
Many of the ideas for my art come
from hours
of interaction and observation, especially between domestic and
wild
animals that just happen to pass through my life experience. Quite
often,
when working on a painting or commission I have only a collection
of
photographs to work from. I have to be very imaginative, inventive
and
very empathic when working from pictures this way. My 35 years of
observing animal behaviour has helped immensely. This is
especially
important when I am painting a portrait of a beloved pet that
has
lived, died, and left a legacy of devotion to their owner, long
before
I have been contacted to begin work on a painting,
which is
often the case.
I also take great delight in meeting people's
animals
and relating to them on a personal level. After so many years of
being
around horses and pets, I am able, a lot of times, to read their
faces and
their attitudes. I work very hard at capturing that special
quality that
makes them a unique blessing to their owners. When the owners say:
"that
looks just like him!" or "I just love it. I've seen that look on
her face
so many times." It gives me great joy to know that I have given
them more
than they expected.
One Woman took a look at
the
portrait I painted of her favorite show horse and just broke down
crying.
It was like at that very moment she realized how much she loved
that
animal. She smiled and gave me a big hug. "Now, I will have
something to
remember him by when he is gone." It gives me such a sense of
accomplishment to know that I've given the owners of the animals I
paint
such a wonderful tangible memento that will last long after the
animal has
passed.
I truly believe that God brings to us the companion animal we
need.
Each animal is perfect for our personality and circumstances. We
might
think we choose to make an impact on their lives, but really it is
our
lives they impact. To be able to use my talent to help pass on
that legacy
to another person is my privilege as an animal portrait painter.
If you are looking for an artist who takes a special interest
in
capturing an animal's unique personality and understands the
unique bond
between someone and their cherished pet, I would love to speak
with you to
discuss the possibility of creating a special portrait for you.
Please email me at contact@llmartin.com
Be sure to include your phone number and what the best times
may be to
contact you so we can discuss what may be involved in creating a
portrait
that you will be proud of and happy with.
Warmly,
Linda L. Martin - Artist

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