Martina Pook

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Real Testimonials By Actual Students



“Martina’s combination of personal professionalism, knowledge and dedication to raise the standing of art as a profession. This course delivers far more than promised. It is an invaluable resource for practicing artists at all stages of their careers.”
Margaret Disch Hutton



Martina's knowledge of structure in teaching art is brilliant and concise. She is able to articulate difficult concepts as well as demonstrate step by step methods in drawing and painting using visually easy to follow instructions. I would consider her one of the leading art teachers in Queensland.
Tony Champ, Winner of the Stanly Awards for illustration | former owner of the Gold Coast Art School.



“Martina’s passion for art and her friendly, informal approach to teaching makes her classes both entertaining and highly informative. I highly recommend her “Business seminar” to artists wishing to expand their understanding of business practices as they relate directly to visual arts."
Stever Cardno, Art Director, Creation Magazine

About Me For You!

I believe it is important to begin drawing and painting with a solid technical fundamental base of realism. Like when building a house, a strong foundation is vital. It is from here we can break free to create whatever our heart desires.

Some people choose abstract art, because they can't paint realistically, other students have problems to break from stiffness and realism to create something of their own, anew and fresh.

It is of great value to have a knowledgeable art teacher, in fact several teachers if possible and an environment you feel supported and comfortable in. All else will fall into place automatically.

Everyone can be taught, the speed is determined by how much the student is willing to put into practice what is learned. Having said that, regardless of how much time a student is able to spend, there will be progress.

Having taught for so long, I learned that certain aspects of tutoring works better and have developed strategies by which students advance faster, in particular the first couple of years.

When I see a student struggle with their work, I remember the feeling of inadequacy well and the questioning of my own abilities in this field when I started out. Every artist walks through those stages. I was the student once, taking classes and making all the same mistakes. I don't see my students ever failing, but their potential, probably more than they ever do.

Self-portrait of my Grandfather the Artist Ernst Weitkuhn

My love for the arts was sparked by my grandfather the artist Ernst Weitkuhn whom I loved dearly. After having received arts training  for three years at the Peter Schneider Atelier in Germany,  I became a commercial illustrator and practiced this profession for over 15 years. 

In 1991 I immigrated to Australia and continued to work as an artist and illustrator. My clienteles includes major companies such as BP, BHP, the Queensland Government, Channel Ten and many more.

To learn English fast, I finished a degree in Graphic Design / Illustration, at the QSPGA, Queenland School of Printing and Graphic Arts when arriving in Australia, Brisbane and worked later for five years as a senior art teacher at the Gold Coast Art School in Southport.

One of my favourite projects over the years was the creation and co-directorship of Illustration House Pty Ltd, a Visual Literacy Centre with adjacent Gallery and art school, training children, adults and teachers alike in art and visual literacy. I left the business due to the terminal illness of my late husband to care for him until his passing in 2005.

I passionately held numerous roles within the arts industry, including presentations and lecturing of art business seminars and discussion rounds for emerging artists. Teaching became my main interest in 1999. But I also operate as art show judge and present talks in relation to artwork critiques, business skills and planning within the art sector.

In 2009, I was invited to join the board of the Regional Arts Development Fund Committee Gold Coast City Council. My role as a committee member involved making recommendations to Arts Queensland for the funding of emerging artists and art organisations and stayed in this position for over two years.

In 2003, I was nominated as Member for the selection panel for the Biennale Internazionale Dell'Arte Contemporanea organised by the World bank, UNESCO and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Florence, Italy for selection artists from Australia.

On a personal level I have found utter joy in my marriage to Deane, a most wonderful husband and have three grown children, Tristan, Catharina and Marin and a seven year old granddaughter, Chelsea. The greatest joy I found resides in the powerful conversion to Christ in 2010, which directed my interest into missions and humanitarian work and is a vital part of my life today.

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About Me For You