Marinha com Sol e Palmeiras 2003

Aldemir Martins made this painting of a seascape with sun and palm trees with loose brushstrokes and a vivid color palette. I can imagine him outdoors, squinting at the light, trying to capture the essence of the place. The red sun dominates the canvas, casting a warm glow over the scene. The palm trees are rendered with bold strokes, and the leaves look like big, goofy grins. Martins has a way of simplifying forms without losing their character. He’s not trying to fool you into thinking this is "real," but it's not cartoonish, either. Look how the paint is applied, thin in some areas, thicker in others. That kind of variation keeps things lively and adds a sense of depth. The black lines in the sand feel both chaotic and deliberate, and make me think of Joan Miró’s playful lines. You sense that Martins wasn't afraid to let the painting evolve as he worked, embracing imperfections and unexpected marks. That's what makes it so engaging.