Marthe McGrath

I began my training in art as a child. My grandfather was a curator at the National Gallery in Washington, DC. I spent countless hours there with him as he told me stories of each artist and how he or she created the masterpiece we were viewing. Lots of classes followed, mostly at the Corcoran Gallery, as my family felt I had the “gene” to be great. Life and a family of my own put a hold on that plan.

As a career, I worked with artists and designers, creating custom area rugs for clients from around the world. Now retired, I’m able to pursue my life-long love of painting. I’m drawn to bright colors and bold compositions. I use mostly acrylic paint but also inks, oil, pastels, charcoal, graphite, and anything else I come across. Occasionally, I introduce collage, generally using papers I have created myself. I paint with brushes, knives, my fingers, chopsticks, whatever. I’m not constrained by any rules in spite of my classical background.

I’ve traveled to many exotic places—Istanbul, Delhi, Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Havana—as well as throughout Europe and the United States. The cultures, colors, sounds, bustle, music, landscapes—they all enter my compositions in abstractions. For me, painting is transformative. It mesmerizes me, creating an energy I like to think shows in my work.

Samples of Marthe's work are below. Please click on a thumbnail to see the full image.