How did you get started and then develop your career?
David Marty: As a kid, I loved drawing and cartoons. It was really the golden era of Disney animations such as Bambi and Snow White. That passion evolved and grew, and I eventually became an art major in college but went into commercial art and graphic design to be “practical.” Although I thoroughly enjoyed it, my first love was painting, and I would paint whenever I could. In the mid-90s we had two children and were in the process of adopting a little boy from Bulgaria when we not only discovered that he had a younger brother at the orphanage, but that my wife was expecting.
As our family grew and life got much busier, I realized how much I needed and wanted to paint. As soon as we got the kids to bed, it was my time to escape and paint. It was a balancing act, but I was able to gradually paint more and more, enter shows, and display my work in a few galleries. About three years ago, I made the transition to painting full time.
Over the years, I have taken classes at Art Center of Design in Pasadena, workshops with artists I admired, and attended several Plein Air Conventions. But what really helped me grow the most as an artist has been to paint on location and participate in plein air events. This has greatly aided in how I look at the landscape and has given my work a new freshness and spontaneity. I would highly recommend plein air painting for anyone who wants to grow and perhaps stretch themselves.
How do you describe success?
For me success is a combination of enjoying the process of painting as well as improving and chasing the best in my art. Sales, acceptance into shows, and awards are a way of validating your art and are wonderful. However, what brings me the greatest satisfaction is when collectors tell me my paintings have made an impact on them and give them real joy or a sense of peace.
How do you find inspiration?
My passion is to paint the landscape and so whenever I go out or travel, I am constantly searching and observing the beauty around me. I live in the Pacific Northwest, which offers spectacular scenery and amazing variety, providing a huge source of unending inspiration. Traveling to other areas within the US and abroad, as well as studying outstanding artists’ works, helps cultivate my creativity.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
One of the best things has been learning to observe and appreciate the world around me more. I am so thankful for the opportunity to follow my passion and do what I love. That is a real gift.
Who do you collect?
I wish I had artwork from more artists I admire. Some whom I currently collect include Howard Friedland, C. Michael Dudash, Ken Auster, John Budicin, Michele Usibelli, and Whitney Buckingham.
To see more of David’s work, visit: www.davidmarty.com
Beautiful work, best of luck David.
Krystal Allen