Tiffany AcostaArizona Republic
Arizona is a land of vibrant colors and striking landscapes, but it's the everyday, ordinary places that truly capture its essence.
Aileen Martinez, a Phoenix native and Chicana artist, has made it her mission to document these seemingly mundane locations through her art, preserving the unique feel of neighborhoods as they rapidly change.
Her colorful and whimsical drawings of Valley landmarks go beyond mere illustration — they are a testament to her deep love for her community and her commitment to fostering a sense of place. Through her work, Martinez contributes to a shared memory of Phoenix, ensuring that the spirit of the city endures even as it evolves.
'Aileen is the real deal'
Martinez, a Phoenix native, draws a lot of inspiration from her surroundings.
"The city is always changing and will continue to do so," said Martinez. "Part of my whole deal is I like to preserve some of those memories into what was and comparin g what will be later on.
"I really love living in Phoenix, and I really enjoy the artist community and seeing how people connect to some of the drawings that I make. From whatever background you're coming from, they're able to connect and it kind of brings people together."
Jef Caine is an illustrator and graphic designer who has worked with Martinez.
“When it comes to living the art life, Aileen is the real deal. She brings her drawing pad and watercolors everywhere she goes. Whether she’s in a coffee shop or on top of a mountain, she draws every space she can," Caine said.
"I got the chance to run a drawing booth with Aileen a couple times at the Phoenix Farmers Market. It was so fun to encourage creativity and get people to draw in public.”
Why Aileen Martinez carries a sketchbook everywhere she goes
Martinez has been fascinated by drawing since she was a little kid. Although she paused her artistic endeavors during high school, her passion rekindled in college.
"I've always been interested in drawing. I think I did stop drawing when I was about in high school. And then when I got to college, that's when I had to learn more in-depth classes about different methods and whatnot," said Martinez.
While taking a drawing class, she developed the habit of carrying a sketchbook. She started documenting everyday places around her. After graduating from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, and moving back to Phoenix, she was determined not to lose this habit.
Martinez started her Look.See.Draw Instagram page in 2019 to share her art publicly and stay motivated to maintain a consistent drawing habit.
Her sketches of coffee shops, restaurants, and open spaces around Phoenix have since grown into a body of work that captures the essence of the Valley.
Discovering a lifelong passion
Martinez's artistic process has evolved over time. Initially, she enjoyed drawing on location, setting up a chair and table to capture a scene over several hours. However, the heat necessitated a change in her approach.
"Now I work from reference pictures. I go to the spot if possible, take some pictures, and then I like to work in public places like libraries or coffee shops," she said.
Preferring to use pen over pencil to avoid the need for erasing, Martinez begins with line work before adding color with bright watercolors, gouache, or alcohol markers. The result is a vibrant and detailed depiction of Phoenix's beloved landmarks and everyday spots.
Martinez's art creates opportunities for connection and nostalgia.
"People come up to my booths or wherever I'm at and share their memories of the places I've drawn. It's really neat to see how people come and share out of the blue," she said.
Bringing people together through art
Martinez occasionally hosts drawing sessions where people can come together to create and share their experiences.
“She is a very creative person who views the world in a unique way,” said Marisol Ibarra, a friend of Martinez and a partner at Team Green Duo, a local printing and embroidery service.
“She has a unique way of capturing the world around her. Her drawings are inviting, quirky, colorful and fun. They bring joy to her fans and clients. She is a role model to many of the youth in the art programs she teaches on her travels, as well as an inspiration to the people around her.”
These gatherings are not formal classes but rather opportunities for people to connect and be inspired by one another. For Martinez, the ability to bring people together through art is incredibly rewarding.
"I just did one at Window Coffee last week, and it was a really good turnout. People come, bring their sketchbooks and draw their own things while I talk about my work," she says.
"It's really neat to see how people react to the final drawings. It brings people together with memories, and it’s a really neat kind of magical power," she said. "It's like encouragement for people to get together in community and draw together."
What the future holds for Aileen Martinez and her art
Looking ahead, Martinez has ambitious goals for her art. She recently completed an illustrated coloring book for the Tucson Museum of Art's centennial anniversary and dreams of expanding her work to include large-scale murals.
"I think I'm getting a little bit too comfy, maybe. I don't think we're supposed to get too comfortable and it would be a good challenge. I'd like to stretch myself with larger-scale murals and paintings," she said.
Martinez's dedication to her art and community is more than just a creative outlet; it's a way of truly connecting with the world around her.
“Aileen is very focused on taking in the experience in a deeper way. She believes when you draw a place, you are forced to consider it, spend more time with the space, and form a greater connection," Caine said.
"I recently asked her what she’d do if she won the lottery. All her ideas involved helping others rather than indulging herself.”
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