In 1976 Larry K. Martin, a native Alabamian, returned home from a career in Tropical Medicine to pursue another lifelong ambition- Wildlife Art. After receiving a PhD from Tulane University, he combined tropical medicine research at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center with field research in the Amazon rain forests of Colombia and Brazil. But a stronger calling then led him to a career in art and in wildlife conservation, from the scientific world, back full circle to his hometown, Anniston, AL. After three years as Curator of the Anniston Museum of Natural History he, in partnership with C.D. Hancock, began publishing his wildlife paintings through Wren’s Nest Gallery, Inc. Since that date more than 250 of his paintings have been issued as print editions. His original paintings and prints can be found in major corporate and private collections, including those of President George H. W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Bob Hope, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Greenwood and Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf. His works have hung in both Houses of The U.S. Congress, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Audubon Naturalist Society, as well as in governmental offices in his home state, including the office of Governor Bob Riley. Other public figures and statesmen from many countries throughout the world own works by Larry K. Martin.
Being strongly influenced by the wonders of the natural world, Martin has worked continually in conservation and wildlife art in efforts to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the Earth’s natural treasures. His print editions have been used in fund raising efforts for groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Rescue Service and the Cahaba River Society. The Anniston Museum of Natural History recently received the original LKM painting, “Remembered”, featuring elephants in Kenya, commissioned and gifted by William R. Ireland. The painting is on permanent display in the museum’s African Hall.
