Paul Martin is a native of Wisconsin. He is married and lives in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Being born and raised in a family of artists, Paul was always drawn to Art and pursued a career in graphic design and illustration. He has earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a Minor degree in Illustration from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin. He has an Associates Degree in Graphic Design Technology from Gateway Technical College, Racine, Wisconsin.
He uses acrylic, pen and ink, watercolor, air brush, pastels and charcoal as his artistic medium. He has developed a unique artistic style utilizing the technique of collage with scrap paper, wood and metal combined with Acrylic painting to create intriguing 3D abstract illusions. Paul describes his creative art style as, “the process of creating visually pleasing or intellectually stimulating art that is fulfilling for me as well as others. As an artist, it is the process of experiencing life to the fullest in spirit and soul. I thank the Lord for giving me the gift to create Art and share the opportunity with others”.
Artist Statement: Unrestricted Beauty to Bizarre
My unique vision as an artist has a foundation based in realism, classical painting, graphic design and digital art. I want my artwork to speak to many levels of society and to have a common thread focused on real world issues, but also to draw in viewers with interesting imagery, vibrant color and illusion. I like to explore ideas of evolutionary connection, fragile human life existence that take the viewer into an unknown landscape of fantasy.
My artwork strives to have a different spin on the world around us, stylistically I am influenced by the artists Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Wassily Kandinsky and Andy Warhol. The use of geometric forms and organic shapes will sometimes convey thoughts of abstract expressionism. I sometimes will exaggerate and repeat small overlooked everyday objects to bring out their unique beauty elevating them to a level just beyond the real world.
Using the newest techniques of digital imaging and graphic design I am starting to expand my artistic horizon and take my artwork into a new millennium. Combining new and old methods into a combination of intense expression. I try to show an ongoing cycle of imaginary and formal design that is focused on current events using the tried and true methods of the old masters such as Picasso, Monet and Seurat to mingle design, color theory and artistic principles.