Filmmaker Makes Impression

Student Chase Martinez sells his passion paintings on campus.

By: Toby Douglas, Staff Writer

Chase Martinez displays his painting for sale in front of the Foreign Language building. (Luis Gonzalez for The Valley Star)

Chase Martinez recalls the first time he fell in love with painting - the same year he started attending Valley College.

While his passion for filmmaking has always been strong, he found new creative fulfillment in painting, spending free time creating and selling his artwork on campus.

The 22-year-old artist first discovered his passion for painting in July 2020 while taking art classes at Tierra Del Sol art school via Zoom. He credits Bob Ross, the late famous naturalist artis, as his main inspiration.

“Me and my mom call him the Mr. Rogers of painting because of his voice,” Martinez says. “Beauty is everywhere, you only have to look to see it.”

Similarly to Ross’s iconic work, Martinez enjoys painting outdoor landscapes and capturing the beauty of nature, with watercolor and acrylic as his mediums of choice.

Initially, he gave away his paintings until his friend encouraged him to sell them. It wasn’t until September 2023 that he finally decided to start selling regularly on campus.

Martinez’s artistic journey, however, began in filmmaking during his time at Grant High School.  He has made 11 short films, winning a best documentary award for “Remembering Stanley” at the Digital Arts Film Festival. He credits his passion for filmmaking as his inspiration for painting.

The fourth-year cinema major originally planned to transfer to CSUN but has since decided to pursue a career in filmmaking and editing with the support of his parents. 

For his art endeavors, Martinez has switched to in person classes at Tierra Del Sol, on Sunland Boulevard in Burbank while also working at Tierra’s Treasures thrift store. 

His father, Clayton Martinez, has played an influential role in his journey. Clayton has worked as an actor in films such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and The Haunted Mansion (2003), while also costume designing and mold making for the Marvel and DC universes.

“I got into filmmaking because of my father, who long ago worked at Universal Studios,” said Martinez. “Since high school, my dreams of becoming a filmmaker have inspired me to paint and draw.” 

As of now, Martinez will continue to paint and sell his art at Valley while working toward an associate degree. 

“It does take a lot of courage to become a great artist and filmmaker,” he said. “But if you really want to change the world, you have to find the things that take you back to your passion.”