Eddie sketching at the ancient ruins in Tzintzuntzan. Click on image to view sketches.

Biography

“Eddie Martinez, an Artist with a Passion for History”

Eddie Martinez has over 40 years experience as an artist and designer, earning worldwide respect and acclaim.  

He has painted numerous portraits of Timothy Padilla and celebrities, such as Ricardo Montalban, John F. Kennedy, Walt Disney and Anthony Quinn.

Martinez designed and art directed a Catholic shrine for the Rose Garden at the City of Hope in Duarte, California. He worked closely with Bill Davila and Dr. Sanford Shapiro in creating "La Virgin de Guadalupe Shrine." The unveiling of the marble sculpture included a reenactment of the miracle story. Martinez also scripted the story and directed the live performance.  

Some of his scenic art credits in television are: The Tonight Show, Batman, Julia, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The Original Laugh-in, and Dean Martin's Gold Diggers. Mural and portrait credit in motion picture include: The Star, Doctor Doolittle, Hello Dolly, Planet of the Apes, On A Clear Day, The Great White Hope.

As an independent contractor, Martinez's work included designs and illustrations for "Earthquake" attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, the "King Kong" attraction at Universal Studios Florida, and Camacho's Cantina at Universal Studios Hollywood "City Walk." He also turned his design expertise to live stage and major events, one of which was supervising the set construction and scenic painting of MGM's spectacular Hello, Hollywood, Hello, in Reno, Nevada.

Martinez worked directly with writer, director Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino as set designer on the musical stage production of "Corridos." He also worked closely with Valdez on the motion picture "La Bamba" as designer for the stage proscenium for the Los Lobos band performance in the film. At the request of Valdez, he designed the "Plumed Serpent" trophy to present at El Teatro Campesino awards ceremonies.

His work with the "1984 Los Angeles Olympics" planning committee involved illustrations that led to David Wolper's multi-million dollar choreographed opening ceremonies.  

A highlight in his career with Walt Disney Productions was working with designers John De Cuir, Nino Novarese, and Herb Ryman on the "Hall of Presidents" attraction at Walt Disney World, Florida. Over the years, as a consultant with Disney Imagineers, Martinez worked on numerous projects. One in which he takes pride is the design and painting of "Fifth Freedom - Free Enterprise", a 55-foot long by 6-foot high oil-painted mural. The mural, located in the exit lobby of the "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln," artistically depicts the people who contributed to the technological and creative growth of America. A portrait of Disney, which had to be approved by his family, is pictured in a prominent place on the canvas, recognizing his creative contributions.  

A project with Walt Disney Productions, which gave Martinez much satisfaction, was the design and art direction of the "Mexico Pavilion" at World Showcase, EPCOT Center, Florida. It was during the research for this project that he was inspired to continue his studies of the ancient American culture of Mexico.

One of Martinez's landmark designs in Las Vegas, Nevada is the original "Forum Shops at Caesars" including the well-known sky feature. He also created, designed and art directed through construction, the "Festival Fountain" at the Forum Shops. This is an animatronics fountain with Roman god statues that come to life with lights, sound, and movement. Also in Las Vegas, Martinez designed and art directed the three dimensional "Carnival Attraction" at Harrah's Hotel and Casino. This light show is thematically incorporated into the grand entrance.  

Now enjoying a life of retirement from the commercial art world, he spends his time illustrating and researching the Native American and Latin American cultures.