MARTHE MCGRATH

Artist Statement

Marthe McGrath is drawn to bright colors and bold compositions in her abstract works. She works in acrylic, inks, oil pastels, charcoal, graphite, cold wax and other mixed media materials. She will start with an idea, image, or sketch, sometimes even finding her inspiration for a series to be purely color-driven. Her process is not static; she describes it as intuitive and joyful, constantly experimenting and learning. Although having a classical background, she will paint with whatever she gets her hands on–brushes, knives, her hands, chopsticks, etc. resulting in exuberant artworks.

Having traveled to many places–Istanbul, Delhi, Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Havana, as well as throughout Europe and the United States–she draws largely from these experiences. The cultures, colors, sounds, bustle, music, and landscapes have all entered her compositions in abstractions. For McGrath, painting is transformative, mesmerizing; it creates an energy she hopes to make evident in her work.

McGrath is now based in Reston, Virginia. She transitioned to full time painting over a decade ago after a long, successful career designing area rugs for select residential and commercial clients. Her art training began in her childhood, visiting her grandfather who was a curator at the National Gallery of Art where her life-long love of Titian and his teachings originated. She likes to keep both her life and art playful and free. McGrath is a juried member of Torpedo Factory Artists Association, and many other local and national art groups.

For more information about the artist, visit www.m2artist.com or on Instagram @mcgrathmarthe.