Nerja Amigos first met Maribel Martín during the Ruta del Arte Frigiliana in 2026, and we were immediately captivated by her warm, welcoming energy, her passion for art and her expressive paintings. A creative, modern woman with deep Frigiliana roots, she left us wanting to discover more about the artist behind the work.
From Words to Canvas
Born in Frigiliana, Maribel Martín always considered writing her greatest passion. She participated in and taught creative writing workshops and contributed to several anthologies of flash fiction.
But in 2013, painting unexpectedly entered her life with extraordinary intensity. What she had previously expressed through words began finding its way onto canvas.
Through dedication, practice and experimentation, Maribel developed her own artistic language, exploring different techniques and discovering new ways to express herself.
Celebrating Women Through Art
At the heart of Maribel's work is the female figure.
Her paintings celebrate women - their beauty, strength, vulnerability, emotions and individual stories.
She is particularly drawn to women whose stories often go untold, capturing fleeting moments of beauty, strength, laughter, anger and melancholy. Through her portraits, she captures fleeting moments: a burst of laughter, a memory, a moment of anger or the quiet melancholy reflected in someone's eyes.
Through these women, Maribel seeks to portray something universal: the humanity of life itself.
Childhood Memories Woven into Her Paintings
Although oil and acrylic paints have been central to her work, Maribel has found particular freedom in mixed media and collage.
These techniques allow her to incorporate fabrics, lace, embroidery and decorative textiles, inspired by childhood memories of watching her mother sew.
By weaving these materials into her portraits, she brings fragments of her own past into the stories of the women she paints.
Maribel creates beautiful commissioned portraits, from traditional paintings based on photographs to more imaginative, personalised works incorporating flowers, fabrics, colours and meaningful details that reflect each person's unique story and personality.
Each artwork becomes a meeting place between memory, imagination and emotion.
The Birth of Ruta del Arte Frigiliana
In 2014, Maribel and fellow artist Brendon Taylor opened their studio and gallery, AmArte, in Frigiliana, where they permanently exhibited their artwork.
Three years later, in 2017, they founded the first Ruta del Arte Frigiliana, an initiative designed to bring art closer to the public, give artists greater visibility and create connections between artists, collectors, residents and visitors.
For three days, Frigiliana transforms into an open art gallery, with exhibition spaces throughout the village showcasing works by Spanish and international artists.
The event generally brings together around 30 artists each year, although some previous editions have featured more than 60 participants.
In 2024, the AmArte gallery closed, but Maribel and Brendon continued their shared commitment to the Ruta del Arte.
In 2026, the event celebrated its tenth edition, becoming an established part of Frigiliana's cultural calendar.
Today, Maribel continues as co-creator, artistic director and organiser, carefully coordinating the participating artists and exhibition locations.
For her, the Ruta del Arte is about more than displaying paintings. It is about making culture accessible, encouraging curiosity and bringing people together.
Vuelve a EmocionArte – Rediscovering the Joy of Painting
Maribel's own artistic experience inspired her to create Vuelve a EmocionArte, an online painting programme primarily aimed at women who want to begin painting or reconnect with an artistic passion they may have set aside.
She understands how fear of making mistakes, perfectionism and a lack of confidence can prevent people from exploring their creativity.
Through practical guidance, resources and encouragement, Maribel helps participants develop their skills and discover their own artistic voice.
Her philosophy is simple: creativity should be enjoyed rather than judged. By letting go of the pressure to produce something perfect, participants can rediscover the freedom and pleasure of artistic expression.
An Artistic Journey Beyond Frigiliana
Maribel's artwork has reached audiences far beyond her hometown.
She has participated in individual and group exhibitions, artistic projects and specialist publications.
In 2022 and 2024, she was selected for the special catalogue of the ModPortrait competition. In 2024, she also received the Premio del Público from Arts to Hearts magazine during its anniversary edition.
Her paintings are held in private collections across Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States.
Alongside her original artwork, Maribel creates commissioned portraits, ranging from traditional representations to imaginative, personalised pieces incorporating flowers, fabrics, colours and meaningful details connected to the person portrayed.
For Maribel, a portrait is never simply about capturing someone's appearance. It is an opportunity to tell a story.
Art, Emotion and the Spirit of Frigiliana
Maribel Martín's journey shows how creativity can evolve in unexpected directions.
From writing to painting, from childhood memories to contemporary portraits, and from a small gallery to an established cultural event, her story is deeply woven into the artistic life of Frigiliana.
But what makes Maribel so special is not only her talent, but also her extraordinary commitment to bringing art and people together. Her dedication to the Ruta del Arte, her enthusiasm and her wonderfully warm, welcoming energy reflect a woman who genuinely believes in the power of creativity to enrich her community.
Through her paintings, teaching and tireless involvement in Frigiliana's cultural life, she continues to inspire others to explore their own creativity and discover the joy of artistic expression.
In a village already celebrated for its beauty, Maribel Martín brings something equally precious - passion, generosity and a creative spirit that helps make Frigiliana such a special place.
To discover more about Maribel's beautiful paintings, commissioned portraits, the Ruta del Arte Frigiliana and her creative projects, as well as her contact details, visit here:
Contacts Maribel:
Email: marmalop@gmail.com Tel/ WhatsApp: +34 645 81 80 89 MaribelMartinWebsite VuelveaemocionArte Facebook Instagram
Ruta Del Arte Pages:
