Born in 1969, Martin Robson is an accomplished artist based near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Growing up on the edge of the beautiful Cannock Chase and the surrounding open countryside, Martin developed an enduring affection for wildlife and art. From a young age, he showed a natural talent, spending countless hours drawing and painting — a passion he has nurtured and refined throughout his life.
After completing his studies at Stafford Art College and Wolverhampton University, where he earned a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design, Martin embarked on a career in commercial art. Beginning in 1993, he worked as a Graphic Artist within the gaming machine industry, creating themed artwork that included characters, backdrops, and animations. His expertise led him to the role of Creative Director in 2013.
In 2018, Martin made the pivotal decision to leave the gaming industry and return to his true calling — fine art. Since then, he has worked full-time as a self-employed artist, specializing in commissioned pet portraits. Inspired by his own childhood pets, Martin is driven by a deep desire to capture the unique spirit and intimacy of animals. He always begins his paintings by focusing on the eyes, believing they are the soul of the subject. His ability to capture subtle lighting and colour reflections brings his subjects vividly to life.
Martin works primarily with acrylics on canvas, striving to create beautiful, high-quality works with a strong sense of realism. He carefully selects photographs that highlight bold compositions and compelling lighting, seeking out dramatic shadows to add dynamism and depth to his paintings.
Reflecting on his craft, Martin says, “There is nothing like the satisfaction of creating an original piece of art and putting paint to canvas. The absolute joy of making a mark with a paintbrush and bringing it to life is without parallel.”
Many of Martin’s pieces are large-scale, demanding meticulous detail and intense concentration. His artistic ambition is to continually push boundaries, expressing himself through traditional techniques while following his heartfelt vocation in fine art.