Ona C. Martin

About the Artist

Ona C. Martin developed her interest and skills in the visual arts through private instruction with nationally recognized artists who themselves paint in realistic styles using the techniques of the Old Masters. She is a member of and participates in exhibits at the Carroll County (Maryland) and Howard County (Maryland) Arts Councils and has exhibited at juried shows at the Laurel Art Guild (Maryland) and Howard County Arts Council. She lives and maintains Hogpen Art Studio in the Carroll County countryside on a former dairy farm dating from the 1880s, where the surroundings provide inspiration for many of her paintings.

Artist's Statement

I use classical oil painting techniques in my landscape, still life, and portrait paintings. I particularly enjoy and am inspired by almost anything “old”, especially when it retains its original function. This appreciation leads me to paint landscapes containing aged but enduring buildings and gardens, and my still lifes often contain old, but functional, kitchen and garden items warmed by their acquired patinas from years of use. Although using new and contemporary frames for my work is always an option, a particular joy for me is to develop paintings with thoughtfully complementary antique frames. I seek out these frames in unusual places-shops, barns, and attics-and restore them as needed so that in their new lives they can be used for their original purpose and admired for their beauty and longevity.