MARTHA SOUTHWELL

Martha Southwell is a classical realist residing in the Niagara region of Ontario. Her paintings show the beauty in every subject and the essence of the human spirit. Her portraits of pets define their unique personality only recognized by the owner. Martha is a member of the Portrait Society of Canada and has attended several conferences on the art of portraiture. She is also a member of the Canadian Aviation Artists Association. 

In 2008, her painting "The Champion" was a finalist in the Portrait Society's International Portrait Arts Festival. In 2010, her painting "Wieslaw" was a finalist in the Portrait Society of Canada's 2010 Canadian Portrait Competition "The Miracle of the Portrait". Her portrait of three time Grammy award winner, Walter Ostanek was on display as part of the Portrait Society of Canada's 2011 exhibition, The Art of Canadian Music, located at the John B. Aird Gallery, 900 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario.

Martha has been fascinated by the people in her life and the beautiful countryside of Niagara since childhood, and began sketching portraits of friends and family as a child. She joined local art associations, and honed her painting skills in courses and workshops. She majored in mathematics and computer science at McMaster University, during which she accepted portrait commissions. After graduating, she began her career as a computer analyst and continued painting portraits. Several years later, portraiture was her choice as a career.

Martha has been involved in both group and solo exhibitions in Canada. Her exhibitions include the Portrait Society of Canada  International Arts Festival, Portrait Society of Canada  Annual Exhibition, St. Catharines Kennedy Gallery, Pelham Art Festival and the Welland Civic Square. Her paintings are hung in private collections across Canada.

Subjects of her paintings include people, wildlife, landscape, architecture and vintage cars. Her paintings are delicate in style, yet strongly convey the subject's personality. Before beginning a painting Martha likes to meet the client to take several photographs and to get to know them. During the painting process, her client sees the painting as it progresses. Her dedication to mastering the portrait and professionalism create a rewarding experience. She is currently accepting commissions.

Artist Website – www.marthasouthwell.com

MARSALA AND FEEBIE – Oil