Adrian Martinez Home | Available | Still Life | Figurative | Landscapes | Historical | Works on Paper

Historical Paintings

An appreciation for the past is obvious in every painting that Martinez completes. Whether his reference is overt, or implied in a technique that recalls an Old Master, his paintings contain rich layers of tribute to art history. A few of his paintings, however, show actual historical scenes that have captured his imagination. On the surface, the artist seems to choose subjects in direct opposition to one another - a Quaker meeting for worship, a battle scene, a Japanese armor, a Nantucket whaling ship. But on closer inspection these paintings have something in common, something that is at the heart of all Martinez's paintings - the beauty of humanity is encompassed in the constant striving of mankind. Whether people are attempting to reach a higher spiritual plane through prayer, by subjugating a 60 ton Sperm whale, or by winning a piece of land in battle, the best of human nature can be seen in our need to overcome obstacles and achieve, when possible, spiritual growth.