Stephanie Martin

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About the Artist

Stephanie Zeiler Martin is a painter and printmaker living on the California coast. Each medium makes its own demands. Plein aire painting is immediate and engaging; the light is continually changing and the elements --wind, fog, heat, lightning, ants, mosquitoes-- are always at play. Printmaking, particularly etching, has its own vicissitudes and creeps along on a longer time scale.  The process of drawing the subject, and then capturing the image on a copper plate, can take many hours over weeks or months. And strange things can happen in the acid tank.

Stephanie's series of aquatint etchings depicts the flora and avifauna of her native landscape. She sketches birds and nests at regional natural history museums, and finds botanical subjects in local gardens, farms, and wildlands. She recently illustrated (full color etchings and scientific drawings) her husband Orin's book on growing fruit trees organically. 'Fruit Trees for Every Garden: An Organic Approach' (Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House) is available from your favorite bookseller.

Statement

"Oh, you're painting your dog," a friend once remarked upon walking into David Hockney's studio.
 "No," said Hockney, "I'm painting my love for my dog." (from a Smithsonian Magazine article on Hockney)

 I have long appreciated wild places and creatures, but my art work has given me even greater regard for the design and diversity of nature.  Painting a landscape or drawing a wildflower or bird forces me to observe much more keenly a familiar creature or place.  I wrangle with what is the most essential information to convey, and -- just as important-- what to leave out or merely suggest.

Resume

Selected Solo Shows
2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Selected Group Shows
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Publicity
Publications
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