Local Artist Goes in a "New Direction" with Show of New Works at Blue Pearl Yoga's Gallery
Local artist June Yoder Martino is launching an exhibit of all new works at the gallery space within Blue Pearl Yoga in Batavia. “A New Direction” includes paintings on canvas and paper and runs from November 5 through December 20. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. Martino is a contemporary artist who paints in all forms of water based media. Her work, based on nature and life’s journey, has evolved over 40 years. “From realism to abstract and back again, my work now is a mixture of both,” says Martino. “My paintings reflect my inner journey as well as my impressions of the places that I’ve visited.” She traveled to southern Brazil in 2008 and spent time absorbing the culture of the country.” According to the artist, “This experience impacted my art as I began to look at the world around me with new respect for nature and others.” For Martino, art is an expression of life. “Painting is my way of connecting my perception of nature and the possibilities of life as a whole.” This approach allows her to utilize the spontaneous effects of water color and other water media. “Although each painting begins with preliminary sketches to determine composition, it develops an energy of its own. I follow each piece with the knowledge that the end result will be different than the initial image in my mind,” she adds. A life-long resident of Genesee County, Martino majored in art in college and continued her studies with many nationally known artists. Aside from her solo exhibits, Martino has participated in group shows and has received awards for her paintings. Many of her works are included in private collections. She currently teaches adult watercolor classes at Blue Pearl Yoga in Batavia from April through November, and in Sarasota, FL through March. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call Blue Pearl Yoga at 585.230.5430. Additional information about June Yoder Martino can be found at www.junemartino.com or by calling 716-474-0580.
