Mārtiņš Zitmanis was born on September 2, 1952, in Riga, and his early artistic talent was recognized by his drawing teacher, who guided him to attend the Janis Rozentāls Art School. After graduation, he continued his education at the Latvian Academy of Arts, specializing in monumental painting, where he completed his diploma project, a wall painting titled 'Latgale Ceramists,' still preserved in the administrative center of Riebiņi village.

Following his studies, Zitmanis moved to Daugavpils in 1978 after an invitation from artist Kārlis Dobrājs, where he lived until 1990. During this period, he also worked in Rēzekne with his classmate, designer Vladimirs Serkovs. Together, they undertook the restoration of the coat of arms of Rēzekne and contributed to various artistic projects that emphasized the local cultural heritage.

Zitmanis's legacy in Latvia is significant as he helped shape the local art scene and mentored younger generations of artists. His works are not only important for their aesthetic value but also for their cultural and historical implications, representing a blend of traditional Latvian themes and modern artistic expressions. His passing marks a notable loss to the Latvian artistic community.