CF Appleton Museum of Art to Open Show of Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin

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.

Martin, who works out of her home studio on south Merritt Island, was raised in Texas. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, and then continued coursework in art education and art history. A significant part of her educational experience was the opportunity to study photography and composition under the eminent photographer Russell Lee.

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.

Upcoming Event with the Artist

Artist’s Outlook Online Talk

Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Join Curator of Exhibitions Patricia Tomlinson and Martin for a free talk on Zoom to discuss the artist’s work, inspirations and more.

Meeting ID: 302 190 0088 │Passcode: 352352

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.