John Boyd Martin

Martin was born in Ottawa, Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts and began his career as an illustrator and graphic artist. He later became an award winning advertising art director. In 1986, Martin decided to leave advertising and devote full-time attention to painting portraits.

As a portrait artist, he has received hundreds of commissions to paint eminent figures in the fields of medicine, academia, government, and in professional and collegiate sports. Notable commissions include Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, United States Army; Richard Myers,  Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Robert Wise, Governor of West Virginia. One of his largest works is the imposing ninety-two foot mural at the NCAA world headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.