The Appleton Museum of Art announces “Garden Party: Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin,” on view Nov. 20, 2021-April 24, 2022.
Florida artist Susan Martin’s photorealistic canvasses explore the botanical world by concentrating on small portions of plant life. Her explorations, in exquisite detail, are influenced by the photographs of Russell Lee, of whom she was a protégé. Lee’s lasting influence can be observed in her sharp, clean examination of the subject, her preference for strong contrast that reveals surface quality and detail, and an emphasis on composition that comes from years of work in black and white.
Early in her career, the artist turned to acrylics in her quest for the clean edges that a quick drying medium can deliver, adding depth of color through multiple layers of paint. Her work developed ‘Super-Real’ characteristics, creating an image beyond the scope of the camera.
The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.