Originally known for landscapes, in the past few years his subject matter has broadened to seascapes and contemporary abstracts. Within this however one subject has remained consistent: his interest in the effects of colour; consequently his pallet has remained an individual trademark of his work.
Martin has been an exhibitor at the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. He recently held a large retrospective exhibition at Buxton Art Gallery, supported by the Business Arts Fund. In competitions, Martin has won both the North of England Open art competition and the North of England regional final of the National Art Open.
About his Work: "I am concerned with colour, composition and texture within my paintings. Often reflecting my interest in the "beauty" of randomness within nature. The paintings are intended to acknowledge something far wider in dimension and far more likely to have changed over time. They are often a reference to the Momento Mori of life: a theme in painting that has underlined Western Art for centuries. Sometimes the paintings are not intended to be realistic but are interpretations of subjects or ideas."
"People often ask what “style” is my painting? Post Impressionism is probably the best “label” I would like to attach to my work but with a tendency to use very thick paint!"
Martin Decent is published worldwide by Solomon & Whitehead Fine Art as one of their catalogued artists and has featured in a 12 page profile within the art magazine: International Artist. Articles have also been printed in Country Life, Artist & Illustrator and The Practical Painter.
He was commissioned to write a book fully explaining gouache painting and has recently been commissioned to produce a section within “The Practical Encyclopaedia of Acrylics, Oils & Gouache”.