MG Ferguson

Martha’s artwork is influenced by her surroundings. She seeks to capture the moment, creating a feeling or rekindle a special memory. She is drawn to the subject of light, whether it be a light post or the sun rising over the Matanzas River. Having been fortunate to live in the charming towns of Ocean Grove, NJ and now St Augustine, FL where she finds plenty of inspiration offering her ongoing subject matter.

During my college years she was greatly influenced by Emmit Fritz, a local artist with whom she often encountered painting the scenes of St Augustine. It was in those days she fell in love with painting.

Her favorite time to paint is early in the morning when the streets are empty and the sun rises. It’s very spiritual. “The Mantanzas” series was created in the fall after walking around town at the break of dawn. If you know St Augustine, you know it can be very haunting, yet the beauty of the town is so serene.

She paints in both watercolor and oil. With watercolor, she uses a wet-on-wet technique on 300 lb paper or for a more delicate look, handmade paper. Watercolor is challenging but she loves the spontaneity and the freshness of the look. Her recent works are done in oil and on location (en plein air). Her goal is to do faster quicker studies, eventually translating them into bigger studio pieces. Most oils are painted on linen and occasionally artists boards.

Painting is a journey that provides her with a determination to learn, create and master her technique. She is very proud to call her style her own. It’s rewarding when someone recognizes her work and genuinely likes her paintings.