Opening reception:  Saturday August 2, 1–4 pm 

Like so many painters, Martha Cowan started out as a young girl, learning to draw from her dad. Her interest never waned, and at 13, her parents signed her up for the first of many painting classes. Cowan has studied extensively with many artists – including Cathy Shefer, Elin Thomas, Carol Marine, Jennifer McChristian, Joseph Todorovitch, David Leffel, Daniel Keys, Louis Escobedo, and Mark Kerckhoff.

Cowan studied art in college – from Chaffey College to Art Center College of Design to Cal State Fullerton, where she received her BFA in Fine Art. Early career work as a graphic designer gave her design knowledge that carries over into successful paintings today.

Teaching art, design, and painting for the last 40 years to students from elementary school to college and beyond has been a way for Cowan to pass along knowledge she’s gained over the years. She understands that in teaching, she continues to learn.

Martha has exhibited her work for many years. Some recent highlights are: Oil Painters of America National Exhibition , 2022; Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibitions,  and California Art Club 111th, 112th, and 113th Gold Medal Exhibitions.

Cowan’s work is published in Illustrators 31, Artist’s Magazine March 2018, and Art Patron Magazine 2018. Articles have been written about Cowan over the years in newspapers such as Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Redlands Daily Facts, and the Desert Star Weekly.

Cowan demonstrates painting and judges art shows for art organizations around southern California. 
Her paintings can be found in many private collections. 

Cowan is an Artist Member of the California Art Club, as well as a member of Oil Painters of  America.

She is represented by Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano, California.