True Blue is proud to welcome husband and wife team Bob Martin, who merges East and West aesthetics, and Betty Carlson, who is inspired from her work in science.
You may remember Bob, who was also our Artist of the Month for April 2012. 
Asked about his art, Bob says, “I paint to please myself. I have nothing to prove with my painting, no theory to expound, no revolutionary ideas to give to the world. I give myself, using my talents to the best of my ability.”
Bob’s grandmother gave him his first oil paint set when he was 12, which he used to copy a portrait of Van Gogh. That experience led him to a lifelong journey painting landscapes in oils, along with watercolor and egg tempera. In the early 1960’s, he became fascinated with sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) and continues to employ those techniques and disciplines in his current works.
After serving in the U.S. Army as an illustrator, Bob worked as an architectural illustrator and then as a free-lance illustrator. He teaches and exhibits at Riverview Station in the River Arts District.
Betty has been a juried member of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild in weaving since 1989. She no longer weaves, having recently discovered the 
ancient art of encaustics (hot wax painting). A designer at heart, Betty often bases her creations on what she viewed through her microscope while working as a medical laboratory technologist.
Bob and Betty are enjoying their artistic lives and exhibit together as much as possible.
An opening reception was held on Friday, April 5, to coincide with the first downtown art walk of the season. Music was provided by Asheville’s Acoustic DJ Mike Gray. The turnout was great, with many prominent figures in the local art scene in attendance. Thanks to everyone who came out and all who made this opening possible!
creates visually complex and stunning found object assemblages, averaging 85-100% recycled refuse per completed piece. While she has a background in digital arts and photography, Jenny’s process of assemblage is completely self-taught.
When asked about her artwork, she says ”whether creating collage or landscapes, I build each piece structurally from color and line. Then integrating the line in a play of form, dimension and color harmonies, I try to bring a sensitivity that will emerge from my work.”
