Meet Teresa Weddle Martinez: The Artist Who Paints Passion, Secrets, and Stories
Teresa Weddle Martinez is no ordinary artist. At 68, she's spent the past decade exploring the world of jewelry-making and the last five years discovering her love for painting. But it wasn’t until she was almost 60 that she fully embraced her creative side—and she hasn’t looked back since. Now, as an oil painter, Teresa is capturing the passions, lusts, and deep, dark secrets of the human experience with every brushstroke.
A Career Shift You Never Saw Coming
Before Teresa ever picked up a paintbrush, she worked in the civil engineering field for 28 years. But life had different plans. After a personal breakdown, Teresa’s brain seemingly made a dramatic shift from the structured, logical left side to the wild, expressive right side. “It was like a switch flipped,” Teresa laughs. “I literally became creative at almost 60 years old.”
Starting with jewelry, Teresa’s creative journey eventually led her to painting. “I began with acrylics, but now I’m all about oils,” she explains. It was only five years ago that she truly began to explore oil painting, and in that short time, she’s already carved out her own space in the art world.
Drama and Secrets: The Heart of Teresa’s Art
When asked what inspires her to create, Teresa’s answer is as bold and intriguing as her work: “Drama. I see something that tells a story, and I begin to feel it. I’m drawn to the deep, dark secrets that people don’t want to talk about—those hidden emotions that stir something inside us.”
This love for hidden narratives, the kind of stories people keep to themselves, is what shapes her work. Teresa’s paintings are an exploration of passion, lust, and desire, captured on canvas with the deepest of emotions. Whether it’s a quiet moment of intimacy or the chaotic rush of a secretive affair, her art is all about telling those untold stories.
The Magic Moment: When Everything Clicked
One of Teresa’s most magical moments as an artist came when she was painting flowers and insects. “I accidentally created a painting of my cat on a bed. It was like magic,” she says. “I knew it was something special.” That moment was a turning point for Teresa. She realized her art wasn’t just about painting pretty pictures—it was about telling stories that matter.
“I knew I had to paint a story,” she recalls. From that point on, she was hooked, determined to create work that would stir emotions and make people think.
The Art of Oil Painting: Layering Passion and Patience
Teresa’s art process is as thoughtful as it is passionate. “On average, it takes me about a month to finish a piece, depending on the size,” she says. “I usually have two pieces going at once. While one is drying, I’ll layer highlights and shadows on the other.” This back-and-forth between paintings allows Teresa to fully immerse herself in the world of each story, giving it the time and attention it deserves.
Her canvases, whether oil on linen or stretched canvas, are full of deep layers—both literal and metaphorical. Each layer adds to the richness of the story, building complexity as Teresa weaves passion and drama into her paintings.
A Memory, A Dream, A Connection
So, what does Teresa hope people take away from her art? “I hope they see a memory or a dream,” she shares. “I want them to get something from it that they didn’t know they needed. Art has the power to unlock something deep inside us, and that’s what I want my work to do.”
Her paintings are more than just visual experiences—they are invitations to explore our own stories, desires, and secrets. Teresa’s work creates a connection with the viewer, making them feel seen and understood, even in the most intimate and complex ways.
Overcoming Adversity: From Engineering to Art
Teresa’s transition from a civil engineering career to full-time artist wasn’t an easy one. But the challenges she faced only helped shape her as an artist. “It was a big shift,” she admits. “But it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m now living my truth and creating the kind of art that speaks to my soul.”
Where to See Teresa’s Work
If you’re curious to see Teresa’s work in person, you can check out her pieces at the Edom Art House, a place where she’s found a creative community that supports and inspires her. You can also visit her website, TeresaMartinezArtist.com, although Teresa humorously admits that she’s not great at keeping it updated.
A Growing Artist, A Growing Community
Teresa is excited to be part of the Edom Art House and is hoping to build a following of collectors who appreciate her unique blend of passion, secrecy, and storytelling. “I think EAH will help me reach a new audience,” she says. “Maybe some more affluent collectors from the Dallas area will be drawn to my work.”
For Teresa, it’s not just about selling art—it’s about creating lasting connections with people who understand the deep, personal stories behind each piece.
The Artist Who Paints What’s Hidden Beneath
Teresa Weddle Martinez’s art is not for the faint of heart. It’s bold, passionate, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. With every painting, Teresa brings something new to the table—a story, an emotion, a truth that needs to be told. Whether it’s a quiet, intimate moment or a dramatic, lust-filled affair, her art invites us to dive into the complex, hidden parts of life that we often shy away from.
So, if you’re looking for art that challenges, excites, and connects, look no further than Teresa Weddle Martinez. Her paintings are sure to stir something deep inside you.
