My introduction to watercolor landscape painting first began with the late University of Arizona art professor, Bruce McGrew. His teaching of light, brushwork and color gave me a medium which resonated with my heart. Soon after I discovered and practiced Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) during a two year art teaching post in Nagoya, Japan. Shodo was the perfect compliment to expressive watercolor painting.
The introduction to Japanese calligraphy later led me to the Chinese philosophy of painting. I was drawn to the painting style of the Sung period, which holds a more pure and spontaneous response to the landscape using simple, fluid brush strokes. Currently I am learning to apply this direct painting approach into my oil paintings. Here the scenes are portrayed with a fresh look, capturing the moment of a scene.
Similar to Shodo, my work is based on the true understanding and inner spirit (ch’i-yun) I have for a subject or character. I want to share my vision of natural beauty with others, in hopes that they too can sense the peace and quietness of nature through art.
Artists of inspiration: Phil Starke, Fedor Zakharov, Bruce McGrew
Martha has been a studio art teacher to all age groups for many years in Tucson, Arizona. She has also held teaching posts in Northern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Japan and Kenya. During her teaching years she inspired her students with art projects that focused on design, observational skills, cultural arts and the history of modern art painting styles. Most of all she taught them to see, experience and appreciate color, light and beauty in the art world.
Currently Martha is an active artist member of the Sonoran Plein Air Painters group in Tucson.
Exhibitions
2026, ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson, Arizona
2026, ‘Arizona Paint Day’, Tucson Desert Art Museum Four Corners Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
2026, ‘Sonoran Plein Air’ , Steinfeld Art Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
2023, ’24, ’25, ‘Annual Randolph Arts Exhibition’, Randolph, New Hampshire
2011, ‘Watercolor and Batik Exhibition’, La Pilita Gallery, Tucson Arizona
2011, ‘Open Studio Tour’, Phinney/Goldman Studio, Tucson, Arizona
2010, ‘In Like A Lion’, Juried Exhibition, Honorable Mention, Cape Cod Art Association, Barnstable, Massachusetts
2007, ‘Watercolor Impressions’, Juried Exhibition, Chapel Arts Gallery, Gorham, New Hampshire
2006, 2005, ‘Annual Randolph Arts Exhibition’, Randolph, New Hampshire
2004, ‘Bonsai Little trees and Fine Art’, Shane House Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
2003, ‘Desert Landscapes’, Juried Exhibition, Murphy Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
2002, ‘Desert Native Bonsai and Works On Paper’, Ironwood Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
1999, 2000, ‘Tucson Museum of Art Faculty Exhibition’, Temple of Music and Art, Tucson, Arizona
1996, ‘Local Artist Invitational Exhibition’, Joseph Gross Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
1993, ‘Sonoran Desert Nature Studies’, Karen Newby Gallery, Tubac, Arizona
1991, ‘Indonesia Landscapes’, Juried Exhibition, Phantom Gallery, Tucson, Arizona
1990, ‘Nagoya International Arts Exhibition’, Nagoya, Japan
Education
2004, 2005, 2010-2026, Study of Shodo (Calligraphy)
1995, Art Teaching Certificate, Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona.
1987-1988, 1990-1992, Study of Watercolor with Bruce McGrew, University of Arizona.
1989, Study of Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
1988-1990, Study of Shodo, Japanese Calligraphy, Nagoya, Japan.
1981, BFA Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.
1979 Lorenzo De Medici School of Art, Florence, Italy