Rich Martinez

Whether it's the Padua Hills in Claremont or a stream in the local mountains, Plein Air watercolor artist, Rich Martinez, has painted it. This local artist is inspired by the nature around him. He likes to paint plants, flowers, rivers, and streams, but his favorite place to paint is the ocean. "There's just something about painting outside in the fresh air. It allows me to see nature and capture it in a way that I perceive it, by putting the colors together and making them more vibrant, and vigorous."

Rich Martinez has worked beside and been inspired by many well-known artists including Milford Zornes, Millard Sheets, Richard Wright and Robert Wood. Rich started painting with Richard Wright after receiving an award from the Pomona Valley Art Association when he was in Junior High School. Shortly after, he earned a scholarship to the L.A County Art Institute. He began painting with groups, traveling  to many places such as Laguna Hills, Corona, Alabama, Washington and Oregon. His educational background includes Chouinard Art Institute, the L.A. County Art Institute and Cal State L.A., where he received his Bachelor's degree and his Masters in Art from Claremont Graduate School. Rich has had many one man art shows in Southern California.

He has proudly earned the title as a Signature Artist from National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West. “I am always striving to improve myself as an artist and focus on getting my art out there,” Rich explains. He enjoys sharing his passion of art with others and it shows. Over the years he has taught at Claremont High School, Citrus College and Chaffey College. He enjoys doing demonstrations at local organizations and judging art shows.

He also enjoys Figure Drawing and Photography and has a art gallery in the Old Griswold School House located in Claremont.

“I can't think of anything more fun than painting. ” Rich says.

To see more work by Rich Martinez go to: http://festivalnet.com/fno/members/289082/