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Martin Proctor, Dartmouth Artist
Martin Proctor, Dartmouth Artist. D'Art Gallery
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Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 1
Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 1
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Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 2
Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 2
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Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 3
Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 3
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Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 4
Martin Proctor - Dartmouth Artist picture 4
Martin Proctor - artist
Seeing Martin Procter’s distinctive and atmospheric paintings for the first time, it is hard to believe that he has painted professionally for only ten years.“Up until then I was very busy running my property development company,” he says. “It was hugely satisfying. I was even lucky enough to live and work on the beautiful island of St. Lucia for a while and I have always drawn, but I didn’t start painting seriously until around 1996/1997.”
So how did this huge life change come about?
“In 1998 I exhibited four paintings at The Dartington Arts Summer Show. It was a pleasant surprise to find that there was so much interest in my work. Do you know I couldn’t take Art at GCE ‘O’ level because eight subjects was the maximum allowed at that time. But at that first exhibition all four paintings sold. It all sort of came to me in a way and I felt it was the right time for a change.”
What’s your preferred medium?
“I paint mostly in watercolours and acrylics, although recently I have moved onto oils along with mixed media on canvas. I love the vibrancy you can achieve with oils and acrylics and on canvas, you don’t need to hold back – it’s very forgiving! I feel that there is more of my energy, my soul if you like, in these new paintings. Through my paintings I try to convey my observations and I do use an element of collage. Snippets of news items relevant to my life, my love of the outdoors and family though not always overtly obvious, which have caught my eye, are carefully enfolded into the paintings. Also, I think that I see things differently - in a visual way, I mean - to most people.”
Describe your painting style?
“I am passionate about structure and form; the juxtaposition between the geometric and the ordered, the random and the natural. So, while the subject matter of my paintings is obvious, they are not photo-representative, and neither are they abstract.” Semi-abstract? “Yes, semi-abstract would describe my work very well.”
“This last 4 months was spent living and painting in California - I was ready for a change - A challenge if you like. A painter is always looking, always noticing things. I certainly enjoyed this new experience and am ready for my next show in Dartmouth. This exhibition will be something of a challenge with the new experience, painting and exhibiting in the USA.”
Martin's paintings can be seen at D'Art Gallery, Lower Street, Dartmouth
First published April 2008 By The Dart
