Showsight November 2020

MODERN MASTERS

HEIDI MARTIN

Puli. Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 24 ins.

Heidi sits with her Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, “Little.”

Heidi Martin is a second-generation dog fancier, “born and raised” a Basset Hound breeder. “All members of my family are still currently involved in the sport,” the Santa Fe resident states with pride. “My lifelong involvement with dogs has allowed me to truly understand the uncon- ditional love, companionship and joy these animals can give us,” Heidi emphasizes. This understanding is lovingly expressed through illustrations that are as sensitive to the nature of her subjects as they are loyal to the breed standards they epitomize. As Heidi notes, “My illustrations, like my subjects, are one of a kind, detailed, and full of true personality.” Heidi says that a client’s initial reaction to her work lets her know that she’s cap- tured the essence of her subject. “I love to make people cry,” she confesses of the typical response her work elicits when it’s presented. Heidi’s illustrations are instantly emotive and technically precise. “You should be able to look into the eye and feel the life and energy within the subject,” she explains. “For me as the artist, it is the most important aspect to portray.” Heidi produces commissioned portraits, and her work appears in the illustrated standards for a number of breeds. “Illustrated Standards are very extensive,” she says. “The goal is to graphically depict an ideal version of the breed.” For these projects, Heidi produces fully-rendered illustrations as well as an array of smaller, simplified drawings that are a collaboration with each parent club. For many years, Heidi has also been providing the artwork for the Del Valle Dog Club of Livermore’s premium list, judging program, and catalog. “The original is framed and given for Best in Show, with smaller prints for Groups and placements,” she notes. “It is then made into a 3’ x 4’ banner, and hung in and around the main building with all the others from previous years.” Heidi feels blessed by the relationship she has with the club and is quick to acknowledge her biggest supporter. As she underscores, “With many thanks to Betty-Anne Stenmark for starting it all!” Heidi also wishes to honor the memory of Brian Cordova in acknowl- edgment of his support for this article. “Thank you, Brian!”

Basset Hound. Pastel on Mi-Tientes Paper, 16 x 20 ins.

English Foxhounds. Gouache on 300lb Hot Press Watercolor Paper, 17 x 21 ins.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020 | 105

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