Today we’d like to introduce you to LAURIE MARTINEAU.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Dallas based artist who paints in an abstract format. I attended The University of Texas (Geology degree) and the University of North Texas (MBA). My previous career was a commercial real estate professional who blended business with the architectural and design of constructed spaces. My education was in geology and mathematics – an odd combination of organic earthly elements with the precision of math. This juxtaposition finds its way into the work in urban building forms contrasting with organic curves and loops or contrasting color energies. I am also drawn to the outdoors, weathered and layered sediment and rocks as well as aged and sun-drenched painted surfaces. Rust and peeled paint and patina are things that capture my eye. I am mostly an abstract painter but at times create landscapes and wild animals that reflect the Hill Country of Texas and the wide vistas of New Mexico.
Technique
Using acrylic paint, charcoal, graphite, colored pencils and pastels, I build up a stratified surface of intention and fortunate accident. The paint is often layered in sections with some areas masked off and some areas sanded down to reveal color beneath. This creates a village of forms and history over which I like to pile on a sheer luminous layer of glaze – this allows the shapes and colors to remain but are now unified. I often incorporate collage elements both beneath and over color so random print media or maps peek through here and there like faded parchments, fresco walls, weathered signs – these surfaces reflect accumulated histories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My work evolves and formulates on its own timeline – I am there to enjoy the process, the bouncing energies of the colors and the depth created with the layering and scraping back. But also, there is a struggle involved. I carve, I scrape, I sand, I cover up favorite parts, I mourn the loss and then uncover them again. Over time, a composition emerges, and I find what I’m looking for – a place with many stories and various energies that can be discovered over many viewings. My real challenge is to know when to stop – to understand when the story is complete. Because I enjoy the act of painting and gestures involved and surprises revealed, I could go be satisfied just painting for the sake of painting!
The physicality of the paint and the magic and surprise are the main elements of my work and hopefully that is also what will bring joy to the viewer.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work from a studio in my home for now but hope to find a studio where I’ll be close to other creators. Artist are truly some of the nicest people. All are willing to share tips and ideas and their time to my many questions. I am a part of a newly formed Lake Highlands Art Tour so expecting more and more activities in our area to expose Dallas to the talented people of my neighborhood. I feel fortunate to have connected to many talented people here in Dallas and hope to collaborate on group shows in the near future. In the meantime, my work is available on line and at local art fairs all over DFW and in other parts of the state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lauriemartineau.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriemartineaustudio
- Other: https://www.lakehighlandsarttour.com
