Karl Hartman

Compass Flower on the Cimarron River, surrealist pastoral oil painting

2020

Born in 1956 in Billings, Montana, Karl Hartman is a contemporary artist whose meticulously crafted oil paintings on panel captivate viewers with their dreamlike quality and subtle surrealism. Represented in New York, where he received his Master's in Painting from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), Hartman’s work is rooted in the tradition of landscape painting, yet it transcends mere representation, inviting the audience into worlds that hover between reality and imagination. His compositions often evoke a sense of magic realism, where the familiar is imbued with an otherworldly atmosphere, prompting contemplation of the boundaries between the natural and the fantastical. Hartman’s process is marked by a disciplined attention to detail and a mastery of his medium of oil paint. Each brushstroke is deliberate, resulting in works that are both technically precise and emotionally resonant. His landscapes, though often inspired by real locations, are transformed through his unique vision, becoming poetic meditations on light, space, and memory. The interplay of shadow and illumination in his paintings creates a sense of depth and mystery, drawing the viewer into a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. Inspired by a wide range of influences, from the Hudson River School to contemporary surrealism, Hartman’s work bridges the past and present, offering a fresh perspective on the genre of landscape painting. His professional achievements include exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums, where his work has been celebrated for its originality and craftsmanship. Karl Hartman’s art invites us to pause and reflect, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary and reminding us of the enduring power of painting to evoke wonder.