Martin Kotler
My art is intensely personal and I believe a true expression of my artistic vision. Originally lured toward Washington’s fading industrial landscape and its unique architectural subjects since coming to DC in 1978. I have been creating cityscapes that echo many of the formal elements found in the great precisionist paintings of Ch. Sheeler and Ch. Demuth, yet attempt to retain a painterly style reminiscent of the “direct technique” evident in the paintings by George Bellows and Edwin Dickinson. My paintings seek to capture the light and forms of Washington’s 21st century dynamic urban environment. Counter to my streetscapes are many premier coup paintings of varied subjects; whether capturing a winter scene of light and life unfolding along the Potomac River, the train tracks behind Union Station or a single pink rose in spring, painted en plein air.
I have studied, taught and traveled throughout my career. Received my BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1976 and MFA from American University in 1980.
My works are included in numerous private and public collections; Baltimore Museum of Art, Fogg Museum at Harvard University, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, American University, Maryland Institute College of Art US State Department, Art in Embassies Collections, and loan programs.
