Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez, whose works can be found in many collections, including the White House, is currently working on twelve paintings depicting scenes from the Battle of Brandywine during the Revolutionary War, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News.

Martinez prefers to paint with oil because he can make do-overs or fix mistakes in a way he cannot do with watercolors.

“That’s why I do it,” he said.

He also likes to sign the paintings by scratching his name into still-wet oil paint.

When painting, he uses bright electric lights that illuminate his canvas.

“I can’t have the light changing on me,” he said. “I have to have dependable light exactly the same 24/7.”

Martinez, who is good friends with former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, once painted a scene of the private residence at the White House which was used on Presidential Christmas cards in 2001.

Martinez also enjoys teaching and is hoping to start a community of artists.

“I want to teach very talented people,” he said. “I’m not an old master but I’m certainly old and I know a lot.”

Read more about Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez painting history in The Daily Local News.

______