Collection: Jimi Martinez

South Pasadena resident Jimi Martinez is a freelance illustrator and professor of illustration. He graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design in 2013, a private art university in Pasadena, California, known for its strong focus on design and art, with notable events like the Spring Grad Show and a biannual conference organized by the Graduate Art Department.

The scenes captured by Martinez explore well-known South Pasadena landmarks and of surrounding communities, as well as everyday scenes, while demonstrating his ability to authentically capture the essence of a space without bias. By including humble elements such as signage, gas meters, and electrical poles in the background—juxtaposed against the grandeur and scenic views of well-known local landmarks—he creates a more grounded, natural, and humanistic portrayal of the setting. The perspective and lighting used throughout the collection of paintings further enhance his ability to capture the scene’s organic quality, presenting the space truthfully, just as it is.

The artwork presented here is original work by Jimi Martinez, created in the plein air style of painting—a practice that involves producing a finished piece outdoors while capturing the natural light, color, and movement of the subject in real time. The term originates from the French phrase en plein air, meaning "in the open air." This collection, created mostly in 2024, was painted using gouache on cold press board.