Frank Martínez (artist) facts for kids

Frank Martínez was an American artist known for his amazing murals. He painted large artworks on walls that often showed his Mexican American background and culture. He lived from 1924 to 2013.

Frank Martínez's Early Life

Frank Martínez was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1924. His parents were migrant farmworkers from Mexico. This means they traveled to different places to work on farms, picking crops.

As a young boy, Frank worked alongside his parents. Even then, he dreamed of becoming an artist.

Serving in World War II

In 1943, Frank joined the United States Army. He served as a medic, helping injured soldiers during World War II. He was part of the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.

Frank fought in four major battles across Europe. For his bravery, he received four battle stars.

Frank Martínez's Art Career

After the war ended, Frank went to London to study art. He attended the Borough Polytechnic Institute, which is now London South Bank University.

He came back to the U.S. in 1947. He continued his art studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. This school is now known as CalArts. Later, he also studied at the Otis College of Art and Design.

Creating Murals and Designs

Frank never earned a college degree. He started designing lamps in 1956 to support his growing family. He worked at this job for many years, until the mid-1980s.

In 1976, the Smithsonian Institution asked Frank and four other artists to paint a mural. This special artwork was for the United States Bicentennial celebration. Frank traveled to Washington, D.C., to paint his part. It showed what Los Angeles was like in its early pueblo years.

Frank went on to create more large murals. He painted for the 1984 Summer Olympics and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. One of his last artworks is in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. It shows scenes of California life, mission building, and Catholic faith from the 1700s.

Exhibiting Frank Martínez's Art

Frank Martínez's art changed and grew over time. His paintings were often shown in many art shows and exhibitions. His works are now part of many important collections.

You can find his art in places like The Smithsonian Institution and the University of Southern California. Many private collectors, including Vidal Sassoon, also own his pieces.

Frank Martínez's Personal Life

After returning to the U.S. in 1947, Frank met Esther Silva. They got married and had a daughter and four sons. Sadly, two of their sons passed away before Frank did.

Overcoming Health Challenges

Later in his life, Frank was diagnosed with diabetes and Parkinson's disease. These health issues did not stop him from creating art. He found new ways to work.

For example, he used the effects of Parkinson's to his advantage. Instead of drawing sketches in a notebook, he would draw them directly onto his canvases. This allowed him to keep working on his art.

Frank Martínez passed away on August 17, 2013, at the age of 89. He died in Los Angeles from complications related to diabetes and kidney disease.