Laurie Martinson is a native of Wisconsin where she was a musician. In 1969 she moved to Tucson, AZ, drawn by her fascination with its blue skies, mountains and desert. Upon retirement as a school office manager, she began to travel extensively, and also to paint. A largely self-taught artist, Laurie turns her enchantment with the Southwest scenery and her love for flowers into the main focus of her paintings.

Because of the encouragement of an art teacher, Elaine Pekarske, Laurie developed the confidence to show and sell her art to various galleries, art shows and gift shops as well as accepting commissioned work.

Laurie is an active member of the Southwestern League of Fine Arts whose gallery displays her work. Her paintings have also been shown at the Santa Cruz Gallery, the Pima County Fair where she won several ribbons and at numerous art shows in the area.

Much of her art, which she calls “Nature Gems,” is reproduced in prints, cards, and screen savers and can be found in many fine gift shops. She also accepts commissions. Laurie dedicates her work to the Author of all beauty.