Christopher Dupon-Martinez
Christopher Dupon-Martinez Snowman
ChristopherDupon-MartinezTheJudge

Christopher Dupon-Martinez

Christopher Dupon-Martinez creates bright, colourful illustrations of complex scenes and characters. They are images that reveal layers of detail when you give them a closer look. While he enjoys infusing his imagery with humour and drawing cartoons, he’s also comfortable interpreting serious themes. “Illegitimate Funds,” his thesis project in the Illustration program referenced case research from news periodicals to expose financial crime.

 

Dupon-Martinez also brings his real life observations to his work. “I’m focused on observing my environments. “Taking courses like The History of Chairs and Canadian Architecture at OCAD U helped me appreciate things that are easy to overlook,” he says, noting that he also enjoys drawing while on the bus, where he often has time to reflect and draw interesting people.

 

If you notice a certain classic quality to Dupon-Martinez’s work, it won’t surprise you he’s a fine paper aficionado who browses antique shops for old paper and pocket notebooks from the 1930s. He likes working in watercolour, gouache and ink. His work also references classical paintings and sculptures in depictions of contemporary characters and scenes, bringing together contrasting elements of past and present.

He is also almost always drawing: “I always have a sketchbook on me,” he says. “When I approach working on a painting I source drawings and notes in my sketchbooks. They become libraries of references, imagery and impactful notes from books, scriptures or sermons.”

 

Dupon-Martinez says his work can be very personal. “The main concern in my work is to connect with my inner child,” he says. “I try to leak out secrets in my work, by including diary logs and notes from my sketchbooks.”

Prior to studying at OCAD U Dupon-Martinez took Art Fundamentals at Sheridan College. While at OCAD U he was a recipient of the Diaglish Bursary. For him, completing an OCAD U Illustration degree also meant establishing himself as a freelance illustrator— a task he took to hear by brushing up on his business skills through small business programs in his hometown of London, Ontario. These included the Next Generation Entrepreneurship Program and a program called Starter Company, both of which provide training, mentorship and capital for start-ups.

 

Find out more: christopherduponmartinez.com

 

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