Art Spot: Peter Martocchio

Art Spot: Peter Martocchio

WHO:
I am a retiree who is delighted to paint using the time that used to be devoted to my professional career.

WHAT:
My medium is traditional watercolour. My style is loosely realistic. The uniqueness of my work is that I portray landscapes in different light, stressing either reflections, strong sunlight, shadows, or clouds. This exhibit, “Scenes from Around Here,” that runs between June 1-30 at the Wolfville Library, is a collection of plein air and studio work.

WHERE:
In the summer I paint outside in plein air. In the winter I paint in my studio from photos I have taken during the warm season. My inspiration comes from ordinary scenes around Wolfville, Port Williams, Kentville, Blomidon, Canning, and Mahone Bay. A selection of my work can be found on line at the Fine Art America web site.

WHEN:
Ever since I was a child I was either sketching or drawing scenes that caught my interest. In high school I was always involved in either yearbook sketches or painting theatre scenery. At university I took every art class I could fit into my schedule. I began painting in oils but moved to water media about 25 years ago.

WHY:
I paint because I feel the need to express my reaction to my surroundings. This area is so beautiful that subject matter is around every turn. I use watercolour because it offers a spontaneity no other medium provides.

Peter Martocchio’s paintings are on display at the Wolfville Memorial Library at 21 Elm Avenue throughout the month of June. Check valleylibrary.ca for open hours