About the Author

Marty Welsh

Hi, I’m Marty Welsh. I’m an artist and educator passionate about blending classical techniques with contemporary approaches to art education. I first connected with The Art of Education University while searching for resources that honored both technical skill and creativity in the classroom.

Over the span of my teaching career, I’ve worked with every age and grade level, from three-year-olds to graduate students and beyond. One of my favorite roles has been developing advanced electives for middle school and high school, where students dive in to oil painting, plaster casting, and sculpting. I love helping students build strong technical foundations while also encouraging them to experiment.

Outside the classroom, I’m a practicing artist specializing in oil painting and portraiture. I earned my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Dallas, followed by a three-year certificate in drawing and painting, and finally a Master of Arts in Studio Arts from the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. My science background continues to fuel my curiosity about cognition, aesthetics, and the artistic process, questions that inspired my personal research and studio work.

I’ve presented on art and art education in both academic and community settings. I love connecting with other artists and educators to share ideas about how artmaking ties together how we think, feel, and learn. At the heart of my teaching and art practice is a commitment to authenticity, empathy, and beauty. I believe art should challenge us, but it should also bring profound joy and a deep connection to others.