Martha dePoo’s love of art began at an early age through the nurturing guidance of her artist mother, Suzie dePoo (Zuzek). Upon graduating from Key West High School in 1973, Martha went to work in the art department of Key West Hand Print Fabrics where she rose to department head. For twelve years she received invaluable training in color and design as well as the opportunity to create numerous tropical motifs for Lilly Pulitzer.

In 1984 dePoo became a self-employed artist, and since that time has participated in many juried shows and has won numerous awards, including First Place in the Florida Keys Watercolor Society’s Annual Juried Shows in 2000, 2005, and 2006. This year the Key West Art & Historical Society hosted an unprecedented, 10 week one-woman exhibition of dePoo’s paintings at the Customs House museum from January until April.

Martha considers herself a life-long student of art and has studied with Sandford Birdsey and Malcom Ross, as well as attended many workshops with Charles Sovek, Frank Webb, Jeanne Dobie and Tom Lynch among others. The focus of her work has been the fast disappearing flavor of old Key West and the neighboring keys but recently dePoo has discovered another southern region of the country with a distinctive culture and charm; the Carolina Lowcountry. Her richly hued watercolors exude a warmth and vibrancy that reflects the joy and pace of life in the South. Many of her works relate the harmony and interaction between people, and the animals in their lives.