“For me, a successful painting is one that stands on its own visual merits. It requires no verbal explanation or justification. The image reflects an understanding of composition, shape, relationships, and color that is inherently obvious. The skill of the artist’s brush is evident in every stroke. And, the passion that went into creating the work is captured on the canvas and emanates to the viewer. This is what I am drawn to as an art enthusiast and what I strive for as a painter.”

 

Martin Driscoll began drawing as a youth in New York City. In the early 1960’s, after serving in the Air Force, he returned to New York and enrolled in the Art Students League. He studied under Frank Reilly, a renowned teacher who developed a systematic use of the color palette that continues to serve as a foundation for fine art instruction. Reilly’s classes became a cornerstone in the development of Martin’s style.

In the years that followed his studies, Martin balanced a career in the airline industry, raising a family, and developing as an artist. He intermittently exhibited at outdoor shows in New York, selling his original paintings and drawings, and accepting numerous portrait commissions. In the mid-1990’s he returned to art fulltime – teaching painting, giving art demonstrations, and selling his original work.

In early 2000, he opened the Driscoll Art Studio, a working studio and gallery aboard the Queen Mary. In his studio/gallery, Driscoll’s pastoral scenes of rural Irish life have received particular attention and accolades from collectors and fellow artists alike. Martin exhibited these Irish themed paintings at ArtExpo 2004 and 2005, and his orginal work nearly sold out. His work was picked up by several quality galleries. Martin now lives and works in his studio in Wimberley Texas.