Martin Leighton

Artistic background

Born in Montrose Scotland in 1951, Martin has lived in Weymouth in the beautiful county of Dorset from the age of 2 years.

Martin is a self-taught artist specialising in oils on canvas and he has been painting professionally since 2003 when he opened his own gallery and working studio close to Weymouth harbour side, situated on the first floor of a beautifully converted Grade II listed building. However the gallery closed in October 2016 to enable Martin to concentrate on new works for various exhibitions & commissions.

His paintings are a very diverse selection of subjects, not only local coastal scenes inspired by his surroundings, but also landscapes, seascapes, still life, wildlife and his favourite subject, figurative including nudes. Martin is passionate about portrait and figurative subjects and has undertaken many commissions. He strives to achieve realistic yet not photographic images, painting from life with the added help of photos taken of clients or models at his studio or on location. Achieving skin tones is a big challenge but he finds himself getting totally engrossed in his painting until he is satisfied with the finished work. The challenge is to create evocative and thought provoking images, especially when painting the female form.

Natural light is an important factor and as he lives on the south coast there are many opportunities to study light changes throughout the day as nature provides an abundance of images for the artist’s eye to perceive allowing dramatic skies in landscapes and seascapes.

Martin is always happy to discuss commissions.

Quote

My perfect day is spending time in my studio - lots of canvas, paint and brushes with the kettle and radio switched on!

Interests

I often like to study the works of some of the Old Masters which give me inspiration, especially when trying to achieve light and the effects it can produce in my own paintings. Caravaggio was a master at this so I admire his works. Other influences include modern artists such as Robert Lenkiewicz, Ken Howard, Fabian Perez & Jack Vettriano. When away from my easel I like to enjoy nature & the countryside.

Accepts Commissions?

Yes