Catherine Martin

Apex, NC

If you were to name one acrylic painter that exemplifies the best of what expressionistic realism should be... Cathy Martin would be on the top of that list. She uses the medium to create dramatic expressionism with vivid color and bold brushstrokes often pushing realism into abstract. Her paintings are spontaneous and flooded with bright colors. She is an honest painter who sees the world in her own way, but has been greatly influenced by Alfred Chadbourne, Charles Sovek, Elaine de Kooning, and Alice Neal.


Cathy continues to study with contemporary impressionistic masters throughout the U.S. In the past few years, Cathy has studied with many of the most renowned master instructors in the United States including the late Charles Sovek, John Poon, Dan Beck, Rick McCure, Peggi Kroll Roberts, Robert Liberace, Stephen Early and others.


Cathy is in private and corporate collections throughout North Carolina. Whether she is painting figures, landscapes or abstracts, her executions come off with an impact; telegraphing attitude, emotion and style. Cathy is a well-known art instructor in the Triangle. She resides in Apex and owns The Red Canvas Art Studio.