L. Martin Pavletich
Martin Pavletich, a native of northern New Mexico, is actively involved in a successful art career after leaving a profession in mechanical engineering. He is fulfilling a lifelong desire to paint after being influenced by his mother, also a New Mexico artist.
He originally began experimenting with oils in the 1980s, but after a workshop in 1995, Pavletich began to concentrate seriously on pastels. Following another class in 2006, he is painting with oils again and finds the new challenge has further enriched his love of art. Although, as a representational artist, he has concentrated on landscapes, his talent and skill in drawing make him versatile in capturing a variety of other subjects in still lifes, animal studies and portraits.
Martin is a juried associate member of the Pastel Society of America and Oil Painters of America.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I paint because I love it and enjoy the challenge that comes with each new painting. As a representational artist, I begin each painting with an accurate drawing, a step which I consider essential to any successful piece. Much of what I do after this initial step is instinctive, with observation being the key to my success. I’m constantly observing and evaluating the interaction of light and shadows as well as how value and color impact subjects. I then use those concepts as a guide to artistically render the subject that has captured my interest. If I’ve done that successfully, viewers will react favorably to my art. I also describe myself as a “colorist” for the use of bright and bold colors in my work. I tell people that I’m blessed because that’s the way I see the world. I learn something from every piece I do and constantly strive to improve my work. To continue growing as an artist I follow the philosophy that my next painting will be better than my last painting.
