The Optomist Painting

Martin Hyde is a UK-based artist with over 20 years of professional practice. His paintings move between abstraction and figuration, exploring themes of identity, masking, and emotional resilience. Circles, grids, and layered fragments appear throughout his work, suggesting hidden systems and shifting states of self. Hyde recently completed an MA in Art Psychotherapy at the University of Derby. This training has deepened his exploration of how inner states can be transformed into image, and how painting can hold the tension between vulnerability and strength. His work has been exhibited widely in the UK and internationally, and is held in private and corporate collections, including Claridge’s London. He has been featured in Flux Review magazine and selected for major exhibitions such as the RBSA Open and Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize. Hyde’s paintings are also recognised in the music world, with his artwork appearing on numerous albums and tours for artists including Lau, Kris Drever, The Little Unsaid, Dan Whitehouse, Staran, and Chris Cleverley. Collectors are drawn to the honesty and intensity of his practice, where symbolic and abstract languages converge to create bold, emotionally resonant works. All works are created using professional artist-grade paints and high-quality supports, ensuring archival standards and lasting value. Martin’s artwork has gained recognition beyond the canvas, having been featured on numerous vinyl album covers, where his bold use of color and layered compositions have brought music to life visually. This collaboration with musicians reflects the versatility and universal appeal of his art, making it a favorite among collectors and creatives alike. Through vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and layered imagery, Martin’s art captures the fragmented yet interconnected nature of human experience. His work delves into the process of masking and unmasking identity, offering a raw and evocative perspective on vulnerability and resilience. The balance between figurative elements and abstraction allows each piece to resonate emotionally while leaving room for personal interpretation. Martin’s art transforms struggle into beauty, creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also rich with meaning. Collectors are drawn to the originality, emotional depth, and cultural impact of his work, finding in it a reflection of their own stories and experiences.