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I have been a watercolor artist for many years and I attribute my inspiration to the late University of Arizona professor, Bruce McGrew. Within this time frame I also took on the practice of Shodo, (Japanese calligraphy), which continues to be the core of my art practice.

Similar to Shodo, my work is based on the true understanding and intuitive sense I have for the subject or character. Whether it is watercolor, oil painting or shodo, I continue to be inspired to express the pure essence of the subject that is before me.

My foremost inspiration to paint comes from my enjoyment of being still in nature.
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 (oils), Fedor Zakharov (oils), and Bruce McGrew (watercolors)

Martha has been a studio art teacher for many years to all age groups in Arizona. She has also held teaching posts in Northern New Hampshire, Nagoya, Japan and Limuru, Kenya. Martha is a resident of Tucson, Arizona and spends several months of the year in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire, where her art continues to flourish.

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