Martin Grelle has realized success beyond his wildest dreams. That success is well deserved, the result of his dedication to, and talent for, depicting the people and land of the West—both historical and contemporary—and of art lovers who willingly and enthusiastically pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to own one of Grelle’s beautifully rendered paintings.

Martin Grelle

Newlyweds
Oil
40″ By 32″
During the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade era, it was a common practice for trappers to take Indian girls as wives. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, not only for the obvious reasons, but because the girls could look forward to receiving many material things from their husbands that they might not be provided with otherwise—and the man gained a companion capable of cooking, cleaning and tanning hides, making clothes, keeping camp, etc. The wedding itself was a simple affair, including the gifting by the trapper of a number of valuable items to the parents of the girl. In this painting, the gifts have been accepted by the parents, the girl has been given to the trapper, and the newlyweds are beginning their life together with the traditional wrapping of a blanket—buffalo robes were also used—around them both and running together to their own lodge or camp.

Martin Grelle

Tribute
Oil
48″ By 36″
This painting was my emotional response to the events of 9/11/2001. I had been working on my CA work for that year and, when those horrific events took place, I simply had to respond in some way. This idea jumped into my head, and I painted it immediately. It was meant to honor everyone who has given their lives in service to this country.