Painting’s history  can be traced  back in time   from pre-historic humans, and covers all cultures. It represents a continuous, though periodically disrupted tradition from Antiquity. Across cultures, and spanning continents and millennia, the history of painting is a never ending flow  of creativity, that continues up to this present period of time. In fact before I started   designing luminary and home furnishing items, I have already  tried working with oils and acrylics and pastels as form of my personal self-expression. Most of my works were given to my friends but I kept a few for myself since I seldom paint nowadays.

I have my personal favorite amongst the great list of local and international painters we have. But I guess I don’t need to look far just to name some great artist in our times. In Negros for example I can’t name all great painters  we have. In my personal collection for example , I have a huge painting given to me by a local Artist and a friend Larry Guillema; A portrait done by another good friend Boyet Purano… Maybe not everyone knew that our former city counselor Atty. Jocelle Bata-Sigue is also painting…(she just forgot to give me one of her pieces huh…)

One personal favorite is a colleague at the Association of Negros Producers-Rodney Martinez. While I was preparing a schedule for the ANP Producers meet up with the Negros Bloggers, I personally picked Rodney Martinez as one of my interviewee and to feature in my blog.

Rodney Martinez finished his Fine Arts major in Advertizing at the University of Santo Tomas. He used to teach at La Consolacion College-Bacolod in Architecture and Advertising for 16 years. While teaching is also rewarding and fulfilling, Rodney decided to stop and go to Manila to fulfill his passion- the painting. He stayed in Manila for two years but went home afterwards and finally join the Associaton of Negros Producers. Being into painting, joining the association of manufacturers like ANP is quite challenging. But Rodney survived creatively by producing replicas of his products as “limited editions” pieces.

Rodney Martinez has already staged 20 painting shows. His theme mostly revolved around women, vendors, environment, family and even fishes and birds.

  Rodney Martinez’ arts mostly depicts positivism…his use of vibrant colors and positive theme would definitely create good mood into your homes. In the early 80’s where many artist would use their art as an avenue for expressing their political views, Rodney Martinez remained in the kind of painting style he is known for. In fact, others would dubbed him before as “pretty-pretty” artist, one who is not attuned with the times.  But Martinez never allowed himself to be swayed by what others want him to be and remain to paint a happy life with his happy colors and positive themes.

Today, Rodney Martinez’ art works are displayed at the ANP Showroom in Negros. He also joins occasionally on some shows in Manila and other places.

To see Rodney Martinez Art Works, please come to the 26^th Negros Trade Fair on September 28-October 2, 2011 at Rockwell Tent, Makati City.