Commission from Greenville University

This is Robert E. Smith,MA-SIU-C and PhD from Florida State.  He was  President of Greenville University from 1993 -1998. 

"Reflection"

 I did this portrait because I thought this woman had beautiful hands. I call it “Reflection.” There is beauty that goes beyond the outer shell, but sometimes the outer shell has so much translucence that it shines out from within. She has an inner and outer transparency and beauty.

"Reflection" by Martha Iler, Oil on Canvas, 20" x 24" NFS

 This is the grisaille of my painting "Quandary".  I used burnt sienna to tone my canvas and then raw umber and lead white to paint the grisaille.

Charcoal and White Chalk

My charcoal and white chalk drawing.  I did this during a class at the Gateway Academy of Classical Art in St. Louis.  I have been attending there since May and have learned a great deal about using these materials and drawing accurately.  It is about 16" x 20".

Pencil Portraits

Pencil Portraits of your child, pet, grandmother, home or whatever you'd like from your photo.  Usual size is 11" x 14" that can be framed to 16" x 20' standard size frame.  Price: $150.00 per face plus $7.00 shipping.

Contact: ilermartha@yahoo.com

Convergence/Divergence: A Study of Style

These are four of the paintings from my show, "Convergence Divergence" 

This work portrays a joining together of apparently unconnected perspectives so that the viewers are startled out of their complacency and forced to think through the disparate styles.   I present a dissimilar combination of similar images to create an emotional as well as thoughtful response. 

"Unbreakable 2" Oil on Canvas, 24" x 20"
Companion Abstract
$500.00

"Unbreakable 1" Oil on Canvas, 24" x 20"
Realism

Show opened March 1st, 2019 at the Maves Gallery on the Greenville University Campus, in Greenville, IL.  I will be posting more of them regularly.

"Reflective 1" Oil on Canvas 24" x 20"
Realism

"Reflective 2" Oil on Canvas 24" x 20"
Companion Abstract
$500.00

In art, there is often a conflict between expressionism and realism. Is the visual description of one approach outside the reach of the other? Are they revealing very different truths about the subject? What does one show that the other does not? By expressing this contradictory split of contrasting styles and presenting "the same" in two ways, different dimensions are allowed to be seen.  Can we see "the other" when "the same" is altered?  Can we explore a new dimension that takes us out of our comfort zone and expresses what the soul sees?  Is it possible to go two directions or more at the same time?  

Upcoming EXHIBITION

Convergence/Divergence

This is my second solo show.  I was invited by Greenville University in Greenville, IL to have a show in their gallery from Feb 25th - Mar 8th of 2019.  

This work portrays a joining together of apparently unconnected perspectives so that the viewers are startled out of their complacency and forced to think through the disparate styles.   I present a dissimilar combination of similar images to create an emotional as well as thoughtful response. 

In art, there is often a conflict between expressionism and realism. Is the visual description of one approach outside the reach of the other? Are they revealing very different truths about the subject? What does one show that the other does not? By expressing this contradictory split of contrasting styles and presenting "the same" in two ways, different dimensions are allowed to be seen.  Can we see "the other" when "the same" is altered?  Can we explore a new dimension that takes us out of our comfort zone and expresses what the soul sees?  Is it possible to go two directions or more at the same time?  

In mathematics, the word orthogonal relates to two functions that are perpendicular to one another. Perpendicular lines can emanate in any direction coming out of the point where they intersect. We experience our human space as three dimensional, that is it has three orthogonal directions, however since there are potentially an infinite number of dimensions, there are an infinite number of orthogonal relationships that can be explored to solve problems. In math and in art we can explore  these infinite dimensions in order to solve problems and explore the nature of reality without the constraint of our physical reality.  In like manner, many forms of expression can emanate from a single source to solve a problem or present an idea. So it is in math and in art.

"Quandary"

"Quandary" 20" x 20" Oil on Canvas

by Martha Iler

Painting of a young woman uncertain of what the future holds.

Speaks to doubt, anxiety, suspense, unease or watchfulness.

Out of the Shadows 2018

Out of the Shadows  Oil on Aluminum Panel  NFS

This painting is my second figurative oil painting.  I see it as an image of young women coming out of the shadows , politically and figuratively, finding their way into a new age of equality, stepping out of the past and into the present.


Contact: ilermartha@yahoo.com

Mother & Child Painting Process

I begin with an open grisaille, which means doing an underpainting in a single color, 

such as burnt umber, burnt sienna, or a blue. this gives you a "tonal map" to guide you

when you begin to add color.

Here I am adding my first layer of color, and continue 

until the canvas is covered with the first layer of paint.

Below is the finished product, adding detail and layers 

until satisfied.

Mother & Child

Oil on Canvas

16" x 20"

NFS


Contact: ilermartha@yahoo.com

A recent portrait.  I enjoyed the chance to sit quietly and work.  Portraits are available for $100.00 per face, $5.00 shipping if necessary.  Usual size: 11 x 14


Contact: ilermartha@yahoo.com