Martijn Caspar Swart
United States
Painting grew from a perspective of the universe to a practice of the hand. Born in the Netherlands Martijn Caspar Swart shared a land with great masters of history. But as a young immigrant in Montana he became observant of the natural world. He later left to train in classical figurative painting for five years in Seattle and earning a reputation in the academy through many exhibitions, awards, and commissioned work.
Establishing himself after graduation as a sought after teacher and mentor he expanded his perspective on hard work and beauty.
His strength in figure and portraiture, while proving successful, would not satisfy his determination to strive like hell and achieve the highest skill in the craft of painting. Driven towards painting narrative masterpieces, in 2017 Martijn apprenticed in Scandinavia with epic Kitsch painter Odd Nerdrum.
With a new fervor Martijn pursued dramatic work influenced by Greek mythology and the intensity of the natural world. Exploring ruthless harmonies of strength and sentimentality, of love and pain. His work can be found in private and public collections around the US and Europe.
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 15th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.