"An artist must be both a creator and a performer." local painter Carl Martin told members of the Watsonville Woman's Club Friday afternoon as he started a lecture-demonstration "Art in Action."
The artist is like the talented musician who'd be able to create a composition on the spot and perform it skillfully at the same time for an audience. Both the skill and creative process are at work at the same time, he said.
Martin said he prefers to add a bit of color to the paper before he begins the actual composition. There should be some plan thought out before the artist begins, he said. Some design is thought outl
He began his still life painting of a wine glass, bottle and fruit by sketching triangular forms. Each triangular form was some-what related to the other. He noted in working with oils, the artist begins with darker tones, then blends the lighter colors with them. He demonstrated the use of abstract patterns in filling in the background area. Eventually, some form emerges from the hazy patterns, he said.
He noted the most vivid colors take up only a small area of the entire composition. The greens and yellows of his completed still life were the most dominant.
One of his portraits of a girl with a rose which had taken the top prize at the San Juan Bautista Art Festival was displayed in the foyer of the Woman's Clubhouse. A still life he had painted was displayed in the hall way.
The afternoon tea was served while Martin was completing his still life painting. The tea table decorations included a painting of a single rose. The painting was flanked by large green candles, a palette, and brushes.
"Artist Carl Martin gives still life demonstration" Register-Pajaronian, Saturday, May 4, 1963
