KARL MARTENS

A lithograph is created

  • Konstnären Karl Mårtens på litografiska tryckeriet där han förbereder filmerna inför trycket av de senaste motiven Azurara och Plommonhuvad parakit. Bilden visar svartvita bilder på papegojor och konstnären med penslar i händerna böjd över ett ritbord

    An original - in edition

    My lithographs are not "reproductions" of my paintings. Each motif is created specifically for a specific lithograph edition, without any original.

  • Paint in black tones

    The first step in the process is to create a basic motif. I do this by painting my motif on a "grained", or matte-sanded plastic film. Only in black, regardless of what color the finished bird will be.

  • Colors create new colors

    Every small color shift must be planned before it is printed, to slowly build up a harmony between the colors - often the image goes through the printing press ten to twelve times before all the transitions interact.

  • Printed is printed

    What is already printed cannot be removed, that is a fundamental principle of lithography. Certain other "fundamental laws" also apply to printmaking: Light colors that have been printed can be made darker, but dark colors that have been printed cannot be made lighter.

When intuition takes control

Lithographic works 2007-2017

Learn all about the lithographic process. Karl Mårtens describes in detail the advanced process required to create one of his lithographic works.

Buy here

About Karl Marten's process

Karl Martens - Birds, calligraphy and presence in the present

Karl Martens is a Swedish artist internationally known for his unique interpretations of birds and animals – painted in watercolor, on fine watercolor paper from Arches. His art is characterized by a meditative presence, where each brushstroke reflects an inner plane rather than a superficial depiction.

Art as meditation

The background to Marten's artistic style is rooted in his deep interest in Zen Buddhism and its meditation practices. By observing his thoughts and feelings, without judgment, he has developed an expression that is less about control – and more about letting go and painting from the depths of his being.

"When we paint from our true feelings, we all create something beautiful."

Martens paints his birds from memory – never from photographs. It's about capturing a look, a posture or a feeling that has stuck in the mind.

"I look at a bird, and a particular expression or posture that really captures the bird's personality sticks in my memory. Then I paint..."

The result is artwork that moves beyond the figurative – into the poetic.

At Maria Vulfovitch Gallery you will find lithographs and original works by Karl Martens. All graphic works are numbered and signed by the artist, embossed and stamped. We offer personal service and the opportunity to see the works in our physical gallery in Stockholm where we help you choose the right frame for the work.