I live to be captivated by the mysteries of painting and the journey it takes me on. I revel in the search for the unknown and the process of bringing these discoveries to life on canvas. For me, the colors of sound provide profound inspiration. Amidst the noise of the world, I find peace and solitude in the forest, mountains, beaches, seas, and oceans, as well as in my basement or behind a drum set or in front of a blank canvas.

I am drawn to nature in its wild, unspoiled state—where imperfection like me lives and organic growth define its beauty. There are no straight lines, no perfectly level surfaces; instead, there is a beat! A feel!….A feeling! I can’t explain!

But it’s for Real!

The colors I use are my interpretation of the divine palette, representing all that cannot be perfectly matched. They embody the hues of people, flowers, insects, animals, birds, and fish, as well as the landscapes of mountains, deserts, and everything in between. In my mind, these colors swirl together, liberating me to paint unconventional scenes—grass may be blue, skies may be red. For me, the ultimate reward is when the spirit of the painting emerges, appearing of its own accord. It may not be immediately visible, as there are so many angles to a painting. Depending on your perspective, state of mind, and, of course, the lighting and mood, the painting reveals itself.

This creative flow can be both unstoppable and contemplative, exhilarating to the soul. Many know me as a drummer, and I apply similar principles to my painting. My fascination with color, rather than rhythm alone, allows me to transition seamlessly between different artistic expressions. Just as in music, there is a pulse, a rhythm in painting that guides me, signaling when I have truly arrived and beat goes on to the next one!

— André Martinez-Reed