I always begin very gestural and loose; trying to get at the inner structure first to re-create the movement inside the form. My marks are results of a building process; strokes building form, creating a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. Color is introduced sometimes gently, inviting the thin washes to come into play or attacking the elusive momentary light condition with alla-prima painting. The thick and juicy stuff of paint is what I love and hope to preserve on the surface. I work towards a contrast of subtle passages with soft tones or rich glazes and strong direct painting continuously building, refining and reducing the image to its essential core."
About the Artist
A Maryland painter and art educator. Martin has a B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art and has been concentrating on landscape and figurative painting for fifty years. Her work takes her from the locals of Maryland's diverse landscapes to distant shores in Europe. Noted for her plein air landscape style which is a direct reaction to nature.Jeanean Martin website Jeanean Songco Martin Fine Art Jeanean Martin website Jeanean Songco Martin Painting Blog
Artist's Statement
My working method for the landscapes is to paint en plein-air. The small to medium sized works are done alla prima with very little change once brought into the studio. I do make some adjustments and additions but am very cautious not to lose the "freshness" from direct observation. They are "moments in time". I will sometimes return to the same place and the same time of day and weather conditions to continue working on a larger plein-air piece on consecutive days. I have been known to drag really large canvasses out of doors and work on-site. I do still enjoy doing that because of the energy in the mark from a direct connection to the "physical experience" that is sometimes lost when working in the studio I also work in the studio from smaller plein-air paintings to create more formal and much larger interpretations. I use my sketches and photographs for referencing but only after working on the site and being familiar with the landscape can I successfully interpret the forms and especially the color correctly. There is no substitute for actually "being there". The challenge is to keep the same energy and fluid mark that sparked the first impression. I am currently working on an ongoing project documenting the C&O Canal during the four seasons. I hope to be able to show this work and donate a percentage to the C& O Canal Trust.Booking
Booking Price: $1,001-$2,000
My contact information is:
home phone: (301) 540-2092
cell phone: (240) 400-3883
e-mail: jeaneansongcomartin6@gmail.com
I work in oils and pencil and charcoal. I do not require any special equipment.
I am available to travel anywhere in the United States. I would consider travel to a foreign country if needed. I will be doing an artist residency in Padula, Italy this Spring. I enjoy travel and welcome any and all opportunities.
Walt Michael, Director of Common Ground on the Hill. wmichael@mcdaniel.edu
Linda Van Hart. Lindavanhart@earthlink.net