Artist Michael Hartstein shares a selection of vibrantly colorful paintings that display nature’s boundless beauty. Find more of his portfolio on his website.
![floral painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Yellow-Iris-oil-20x16-1.jpg)
“Yellow Iris” oil, 20″ x 16″
I’ve been interested in art and design since grade school—that was over fifty years ago. I found that art was the best medium for me to express myself. And I wanted to learn all I could by immersing myself in art, architecture classes and reading every art book I could get my hands on. I love art history. When I looked at the Old Master paintings, I felt they were letting me into their world.
![floral landscape painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Tropical-Rain-oil-16x20-1.jpg)
“Tropical Rain” oil, 16″ x 20″
My career after school was channeled into the construction industry. I designed and remodeled homes and was responsible for designing the space and selecting all the materials.
![floral landscape painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Poppy-Fantasy-oil-16x20-1.jpg)
“Poppy Fantasy” oil, 16″ x 20″
This turned into a career as a kitchen and bath designer. I found this to be very rewarding creatively. All the while, I continued to paint, showing my paintings in local galleries and at outdoor art shows.
![floral landscape painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Blowin-the-Wind-oil-18x24-.jpg)
“Blowin’ in the Wind” oil, 18″ x 24″
I’ve always felt very close to nature, and my paintings reflect some aspect of nature. My style was Impressionistic; however, I find myself moving back and forth from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism to Abstract.
![painting of swans by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Swan-Family-Show-acrylic-30x24-1.jpg)
“Swan Family Show” acrylic, 30″ x 24″
After I retired from my career as a designer, I became a full-time artist, and try to paint every day.
![still life painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Unforgettable-Locks-acrylic-30x40-1.jpg)
“Unforgettable Locks” acrylic, 30″ x 40″
Before I start a painting, I spend time thinking about what I want to say on canvas. I also like to be spontaneous. I will let the process during the painting lead to the outcome. Many times, it turns out different than what I thought it was going to be when I first started—a delightful surprise.
![floral oil and cold wax painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Cactus-Garden-oil-and-cold-wax-24x30-1.jpg)
“Cactus Garden” oil and cold wax, 24″ x 30″
At this time, I am trying a different painting medium—oil/cold wax. With oil and cold wax, I like that I am able to achieve bold colors and create layers. I find that there is a richness in the overall look. Examples of my oil and cold wax images are Garden Party and Cactus Garden.
![floral oil and cold wax painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Garden-Party-oil-and-cold-wax-30x40-.jpg)
“Garden Party” oil and cold wax, 30″ x 40″
My painting style has changed over the years. I find that I’m now moving toward bold colors and less details. This allows viewers to use their imaginations and draw their own conclusions about what the painting means to them.
![abstract painting by Michael Hartstein](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Michael-Hartstein-Dancing-Colors-acrylic-30x40-1-rotated.jpg)
“Dancing Colors” acrylic, 30″ x 40″
My goal when someone views my painting is to offer an awareness of how nature enriches our lives.
Artist Michael Hartstein invites you to follow him on Facebook.
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