Carpe Noctem

30" x 30"

oil on canvas

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Transition

26" x 20"

oil on canvas

SOLD

There is a part of me that wants to understand what makes realism work on canvas. 

There is a part of me that wants to paint what I see, another part wants to express what I feel through color and imagery, there are so many different painters inside of me and I guess that's why my style has so many variations. It used to bother me because I see all these other artists that are consistent with their style and subject and I thought that's how I should be and I tried, but I just can't do it. These other artists inside of me have to be heard and won't let me rest until they are. Who am I to shut them up? It does make life interesting for me and (hopefully) for you too. :)

Dawson's Creek

30" x 30"

oil on canvas

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I had so much fun painting this - Perfect day, the colors, brushstrokes, music, everything - I really feel like the training wheels came off for this one. 

River Sunset

6" x 4"

oil on wood
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Chiquita Banana

30" x 30"

oil on canvas

I'm about 80% done with this. Still need to work on the hat and fine fur.  I also thought she needed an earring, so I started to add a nice "tropical fruit bunch" earring which I thought was appropriate for the subject. 

Night Cicada

SOLD

I wanted to experience something different and whimsical.

Curious

6" x 4"

oil on wood

I am a big fan of coffee and the best coffee I have found, though years of trial and error is Fresh Market brand. The nearest Fresh Market is in Gainesville, so I took a trip today. I saw this guy on my journey. I'm not sure if he or she is a mule or donkey, but he/she was very curious (and cute) while I stopped to snap a photo. I would have stayed and chatted for awhile, but it was hot and coffee was waiting. 

Blue Sky with a Side of Clouds

5" x 7"

oil on panel

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Clair Hartmann, Artist

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Lake Sunset II

5" x 7"

oil on panel

Better photo of "Lake Sunset"

Lake Sunset

7" x 5"

oil on panel

Lake III

"Resurrected"

5" x 7"

oil on panel

This little boat had sunk a while ago and was brought back to shore. Not sure if it can be used again, but it does make a nice painting.

"Lake II", "Ollie" Commission, and "Chiquita" Progress

"Lake II - Clouds Clearing"

7" x 5"

oil on panel

"Ollie" Commission

12" x 19"

oil on panel

"Chiquita"

30" x 30"

oil on canvas

in progress

Paintings, Lake and Film

Lake I

7" x 5"

oil on panel

This is first in a series of paintings at the lake house. I'm going to try to paint one everyday while I'm here. Today was a nice rainy, gray day and the clouds were shifting from dark to light and back again. It was quite beautiful.

Although this has nothing to do with painting, is does have something to do with my art. I have just completed a book cover for author, Nicole Louise Reid, winner of the Burnside Review Fiction Chapbook Competition. You can read more about it here.

Which brings me to my recent epiphany. I have alway struggled with my identity as an artist... "am I a graphic designer or a painter?" Well, I realized the other day, on my journey as being a painter, I was taught graphic design to be a better, more rounded painter. Being a successful artist, you must market yourself and if you aren't going to rely on a gallery to do it for you, you must do it yourself. I would prefer not to rely on a gallery (although, I do love the Woods gallery on Bald Head Island because it's really fun to take trips there) because in my opinion, I feel I can sell my paintings better and reach more of an audience on the world wide internet with my graphic design and marketing skills. It's a little more work, but it fun for me. 

While we are on the subject of reaching more of an audience, somehow through all the marketing, NBC saw my work and has purchased six of my paintings to be in the backdrop of the show "Parenthood" in the fall. SO keep an eye out for paintings. I gotta tell ya, I'm as giddy as a school girl about this!!

Also, a movie that is being filmed now called "Hick" with one of my favorite actresses, Juliette Lewis used two of my paintings. Hopefully the scene won't get cut - keeping fingers crossed. 

Wanted to let everyone know, I will be teaching a 

portrait painting class next month on Bald Head Island.

Click here for more information

www.clairhartmann.com

CLAIR HARTMANN, ARTIST

WILMINGTON, NC

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The Explorer

30" x 23"

oil on handmade paper

on panel

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100 Dogs Poster

24" x 24"

Signed Print

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Now that I have found a reputable and excellent printer, I am now offering the "100 Dogs" poster in my store. 100% of the profit goes to Adopt-an-Angel in Wilmington, NC. If you would like a smaller size, email me and I will give you a price. 

These prints are absolutely gorgeous and archival! I am also offering any painting as a print of any size, so if you have something in mind let me know.