The son of Victor Martin HARVEY, Martin grew up in St Mabyn and attended Falmouth School of Art from 1959 to 1963, studying under Michael Finn, Francis Hewlett, Derek Wiltshire, Peter Lanyon and Terry Frost. He then became a student at Hornsey College of Art (1963-1964). He has taught art in Hampshire, at Plymouth College of Art, Plymstock School and Launceston College. He is also a keen sailor.