British Icons
Price range: £300.00 through £799.00
Title: British Icons
Artist: Alberto Martinez
Type: Limited Edition Print – Giclée on Paper / Luxury Giclée on Canvas board
Paper Image size: 70.5cm x 55.0cm
Paper Framed Size (approx): 103.4cm x 89.9cm
Canvas Image Size: 110.2cm x 80cm
Canvas Framed Size (approx): 122.5cm x 100.0cm
Edition size: 195
Available formats:
- Paper print only
- Canvas on board print only
- Paper print mounted in a warm white double mount
- Paper print framed in a black frame with warm white double mount
- Canvas on board print framed in a black frame with white scoop slip.
British Icons by Alberto Martinez
British Icons by Alberto Martinez
British Icons
It has been widely asserted that people profoundly influence a country’s culture and history. Consequently, I grappled with the challenge of distilling the essence of Britain in a painting, especially as an artist not born here. This question preoccupied me even before I embarked on this project. Ultimately, the answer proved surprisingly straightforward: it’s the people. It is always, and invariably, the people. As a result, I sought out their stories.
The outcome was a rich tapestry of anecdotes, references, and cherished memories—a treasure trove of material sufficient for not just one painting, but potentially a whole series.
Nevertheless, the most daunting task was selecting which elements to include and, equally importantly, which to omit. Following this, three months of intense and disciplined work ensued. My aim was to craft a vibrant yet harmonious visual narrative of quintessential British life, with Big Ben prominently featured at the heart of the composition. In other words, all other elements were carefully positioned to guide the viewer’s eye from left to right, incorporating subtle visual cues throughout a colourful yet measured arrangement. The overall effect is one of refined elegance. For instance, there’s a subtle homage to the Queen in her signature blue dress, a playful recreation of the iconic Beatles album cover, and, naturally, the inclusion of an Aston Martin.
By employing negative space, even the clouds subtly yield their attention to the intricate details of the scene. Moreover, the calculated use of perspective actively draws the observer into the painting, fostering a sense of realism. In essence, the scenes unfold as if they were snapshots from daily life on a London street—or, perhaps, a meticulously crafted film set—where characters seamlessly engage in their daily routines and individual narratives, their lives unfolding without additional explanation.
This piece is my humble homage to Britain and its most precious commodity: Its people and their creations.
Alberto Martinez (El Flaco)
“When an artwork of mine takes about two or three months from start to finish, that piece is more than oil colours on a piece of fabric. There’s an intimacy built after weeks of just the two of us. Nights, days together. It witnesses all sort of happenstance going on with me and around me. Like a good friend, it talks back as well. It challenges me. Comforts me. Care for me…
I’m grateful to you for been my companion all these weeks, dear friend. It’s time for you to meet the world and make friends of your own. Hope to see you again in this life…”
Alberto Martinez (El Flaco)
CLICK HERE to see a video – Alberto Martinez on what it means to be an artist