Martin Amorous’ unflinching black and white lines and drips work together to suggest a vast
landscape while incorporating subtle interventions from the artificial world. He
explores this post-apocalyptic landscape through large-scale paintings, small works
on paper, and short animations.
Amorous retired from Sam Houston State University in 2020 after 25 years of
dedication to the growth of the Department of Art. In 1995, Amorous began his
career in the Department teaching painting, drawing, and setting up the
first animation studio for the department. He became Chair of the Department of Art
in 1996 and, eight years later, returned to teaching full-time.
Martin received a BFA in Painting and Art History and an MA in Painting, with a
minor in Art History, from the University of New Mexico and an MFA in Painting from
the University of Arizona. Amorous currently lives and works in Willis, Texas, with his
wife, artist Cynthia Reid.
“I keep working on the painting until I'm satisfied with the illusion both visually and
mentally. It has to stimulate me visually and intellectually. At the beginning of the
process, the intent is only to end up with an illusion. And everything proceeds from
there in real time. The first 'paint spill' suggests the next, and so on. The natural
elements in the work are made by gravity and liquid mediums ("untouched by human
hands") and the cultural elements are made with masking tape and pinstriping tools.
The juxtaposition of organic shapes and geometric shapes is a strategy for
creating visual interest. I fall for it all the time. The final piece is a record of all the
choices I made along the way.” – Martin Amorous.