Adrian Martinez

Adrian Martinez is a nationally known artist based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.  His work, which includes portraits, still lifes, landscapes and historical paintings, combines a classical technique with an intensely emotional vision.  His art has been shown in galleries across the United States and is in many public collections. In January of 2003 he completed a 10 x 18 foot three-panel mural which was commissioned for the White House by United States President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.  In 2001 the President and Mrs. Bush chose him to design the White House Christmas card.

"Painting is how I enjoy the visual world and how I share that enjoyment with others. I believe that the physical, material world is an achingly beautiful place. Anyone who is as passionate as I am about the crispness of a new flower, the velvety softness of an animal’s hide, or the weathered surface of a piece of sculpture in an old forgotten garden needs to find a way to express that passion throughout their lives. Ironically, in spite of this (or is it because of it?) I have a deep streak of melancholy. Because, as we all know, no matter how much we may love something, including, unfortunately, ourselves, nothing lasts forever. This sense of melancholy often seems to find a kind of balance with the intense joy I hope to express in my paintings."