Artist Info
As an artist and former jockey of 16 years, Martinez has a passion for painting horses, thoroughbreds, racing scenes, and a large variety of subjects. He was born in Colorado and grew up 27 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming. His Grandfather introduced him to horses at a young age. Martinez attended Casper Junior College, in Casper, Wyoming and majored in art. After finishing school the thought of making a lively hood as an artist, was not as appealing as becoming a jockey. He chose to pursue becoming a jockey with a passion. Three years later he was riding at Centennial Race track in Littleton, Colorado. The next ten years were spent successfully racing thoroughbreds at major tracks in the west and mid-west. In 1983, a bad racing accident interrupted his career. The surgeon said his right leg was crushed from knee to ankle, and did not know if I would ever walk again, much less ride. Martinez used the recovery time constructively by taking drawing classes at a local art college in Phoenix, Arizona.
The lure of the horse was still very powerful, and after a year and a half of physical therapy he recovered and returned to racing for another six years. In 1991 his racing career ended but he continued to be an active exercise rider. This allowed Martinez more time to pursue a career as an artist. Martinez now resides in upstate New York, near Saratoga Springs, working full time as an artist. |
