Martiza Longtin – Art Opening Exhibition

For the artist, one of the most frightening or insecure moments is facing a blank canvas! As you face that canvas, hopefully, your mind has already formulated an image, a message, or a feeling you want to convey by way of your brush. For your own pleasure, and if all goes well, for your viewer as well.

Before I start to paint, I consider some important factors that will guide me. The overall design and the color palette, which includes the contrasts of light and dark – necessary to provide depth and interest. I believe my life had such a design that was woven into my early life without any understanding by my young mind. I was born in Cuba, an incredibly lush and beautiful island in the Caribbean. Many beautiful images from those early years are still in my mind today, still influencing my paintings in many ways. Those early years were filled with joy and happiness shared with my mother and father and sister. Perfection!

The passion for creating within an artist is a drive that is always there. Ideas come from many sources. I often spend days in my little studio because I “have to paint!” Many of my earlier paintings were oils but in the last few years I prefer to use acrylics. I discovered how much I enjoyed creating high intensity textures using different tools such as trowels and pallet knives along with my brushes. Color, and lots of it is something I must have!