Carly Allen Martin creates vibrant expressive paintings that open up a world of connection and hope, taking the viewer beyond the confines of the canvas. Through the use of multiple mediums, such as charcoal, graphite, pastel, and oil, she creates a world of layers and textural nuances producing one-of- a-kind pieces, standing on their own within her body of work.
Allen Martin works on archival paper, panel, and linen. The texture and tone of the raw surface takes on an active roll and space within the work. The material offers up somewhat of a homecoming to an honest, raw experience and expression. The paintings begin with gestural sketches and washes of color. From there, layers are built through intuitive mark making and the juxtaposition of line and color until the painting has fully expressed itself. Allen Martin’s work is empathetic to the challenges of the human experience and taps into the connection we share in our common humanity. The work ultimately celebrates and acknowledges the optimism of resilience and beauty within that connection.
Carly Allen Martin studied at Santa Reperata International School of Art in Florence, Italy, The European Academy of Art in Trier, Germany, and Aoyama Gakiun University in Tokyo, Japan. She holds a BFA in painting from Texas Christian University. Allen Martin has been featured in a variety of notable publications including LUXE, Paper City, Modern Luxury, Fort Worth Magazine, 360 Southwest, Food Network, and The Dallas Morning News.
