Martin Decent

Martin Decent

Martin Decent studied Fine Art at Colleges in Sheffield and Coventry, and has been painting all his life. He made the transition to full time artist 10 years ago, having previously worked in graphic design. Originally known for landscapes, in the past few years his subject matter has broadened to seascapes and interiors. Within this however, one subject has remained consistent: his interest in the effects of colour and consequently his pallet has remained an individual trademark of his work.

I am interested in the elements of nature the alchemy of change that occurs over time. Sea and land appear sometimes in harmony, sometimes to be in conflict. Where these two 'worlds' meet is a place of interest for my paintings and a place of change. The forces of sun and moon are represented as metals with the use of gold and silver leaf. They appear as ribbons of purity, which remain constant amongst a sea of change.

To quote Matisse 'There is something unexplored in everything, because we have grown used to letting our eyes be conditioned by the memory of what other have thought before us...'

Finally, I find the greatest challenge is to paint the everyday in a way that people may find enlightening or personally rewarding.