Marti Koehler

Raised in Naples, Florida, Marti Koehler draws on formative experiences along the Gulf Coast for artistic inspiration. Her work is influenced by vivid memories of sun, sand, and water from her childhood, translated into layered compositions. Koehler’s art reflects her interest in emotional and psychological themes, often featuring symbolic imagery inspired by her experiences, travels, and career in art therapy, mural making, and teaching art. Her work explores both abstract and figurative themes, with a current focus on swimming figures as a metaphor for various aspects of the human condition.

Koehler’s creative process begins with abstract memories and feelings, evolving through gestural exploration, sketches, small paintings and some larger mixed media pieces. Influenced by both classical and contemporary artists, she blends diverse materials in her work including acrylics, oils, plaster, metallic leaf, embroidery threads, vintage papers, chalk and wax on various surfaces, creating thoughtfully layered, textural pieces.

With a master’s in art education and art therapy from Florida State University, Koehler has pursued advanced studies in New York City, Asheville and Chapel Hill, NC, Lucca, Italy, Montpellier France and Compote Sur Loire, France. She teaches annual art for healing workshops in her Naples studio in the spring and summer months.

Koehler is based in Naples, Florida and her paintings are displayed in private collections throughout Florida, the United States, and Europe.