With long-time ties to Taos, New Mexico, he is known for modernist oil pastel paintings of women, many of them Hispanic looking, whose faces fill almost the entire canvas. His goal is to reveal their souls and to make them look as though they live and breathe.

He was born and raised near the old Taos Plaza to a family that goes back three generations in that area. His father died when he was age three, and his mother raised him and his brothers and sisters.

He first took art lessons at the Stables Art Center where he won prizes and then crafted jewelry with his brother. Study with local artist Ray Vinella inspired him to become a full-time artist.

Although Martinez primarily paints portraits, he als...