The intuitive and engaging art of LA-based Lilian Martinez

Lilian Martinez is an intuitive artist. Her decision to jump between mediums, colours and subject matter is a skill only possible due to her artful eye. Lilian works as a solo artist alongside running BFGF, an art brand that focuses on making “accessible pieces for the home and body”.

Based in Los Angeles, the artist’s surroundings are evident in her work, citing “the desert, plants, fruit, snacks, transcendent experiences and comfort” as key influences. This eclectic mix is displayed in the changeability of content featured, from Matisse-like figures playing basketball to bowls of fruit and plates of pizza and salad. This considered randomness presents humour, a characteristic not often presented in such detailed paintings. The amusing temperament of Lilian’s work makes it so appropriate to be converted into cushions, mugs and ceramics as they are on BFGF. They fulfil their aim of being accessible pieces of art you would want in your home.

Lilian often works on three alternative materials of paper, canvas or linen. The decision between which she admits is fully dependent on the project, “If an image must be flexible and easy to edit, I like to work digitally. If there are no restrictions, I like to paint. Painting is so fun.” Throughout Lilian’s pieces green is consistently used, quoting it as a favourite colour to work with: “I love greens, there are just so many alternative shades to use.” The artist’s brilliant colour choices are influenced by Hawthorne on Painting, “A nice read, touching on colour and how finding the perfect combination is really important.” Charles Hawthorne’s main advice in this book is to “swing a bigger brush – you don’t know what you’re missing” — advice that Lilian has clearly taken on board.