[3][4] A pupil for a short time of William Hart, his earlier work was closely aligned with the Hudson River School.

[4] Martin was elected as associate of the National Academy of Design, New York, in 1868, and a full academician in 1874.

During a trip to Europe in 1876, he was captivated by the Barbizon school[5] and the Impressionists, and thereafter his painting style gradually became darker, moodier, and more loosely brushed.

From 1882 to 1886, he lived in France, spending much of the time in Normandy, including stays at the Etaples art colony.

Although never successful within his lifetime, within two years of his death Adirondack Scenery sold for $5500 and Harp of the Winds (1895) was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.