Henry Martin, an English artist who has made France his home for the past five years, is showcasing his landscape paintings that celebrate the hiking trails of the Charente region in a new exhibition in Saint-Claud. The former priest-turned-painter has found inspiration in the rural French countryside, declaring that "It's always beautiful here, even when it rains."
Martin, who previously served as a chaplain before dedicating himself fully to painting, works from his studio in his home in Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette. The walls of his artistic workspace are covered with his works, many of which are featured in this weekend's exhibition in Saint-Claud. His paintings focus on the scenic walking paths and natural landscapes that define the Charente region.
The artist's move to France in 2020 was motivated by his disillusionment with the political climate in his native England. Speaking candidly from his paint-filled studio, Martin expressed his strong views on recent political developments. "Brexit is the biggest stupidity in the world after Trump!" he declared, explaining the geopolitical backdrop that ultimately pushed him to leave his homeland for France.
Since settling in the Charente region, Martin has immersed himself in capturing the essence of the local landscape through his art. His paintings showcase the natural beauty of the area's hiking trails, demonstrating how the region maintains its charm regardless of weather conditions. The exhibition in Saint-Claud represents a significant portion of his artistic output since making France his permanent residence.
