Daily Artsy Paintings

Puppy Love: Clair Hartmann

Posted on October 10, 2012

While Mr. Forager & I are on the road, making our way to California, we’re rerunning Artsy Forager’s most popular posts.  This post originally published on November 1, 2011.  Enjoy!

PS- since writing this post, Clair Hartmann has opened a wonderful little gallery in Wilmington, NC, Sun Gallery & Gifts.  Please make a visit if you’re in the area!

OK, yes I know “pet art” has been done to death.  It seems like every artist and their brother is doing it.  But I submit to you, dear Artsies, that Wilmington, NC artist Clair Hartmann does doggy art in a wonderfully whimsical and heartfelt, yet not at all cheesy way.

Shore Leave, oil on fabric on canvas, 40×30

Whether she is doing straight-on portraits against graphic fabric backgrounds, like the one above or masterpiece inspired depictions as in the ones below, Clair always captures her subjects inherent personality and unique expressions.

Pearl Earring, oil on canvas panel, 9×12

Frida Dog, oil on canvas, 16×20

There is a wonderfully graphic and modern quality to Clair’s animal work, which to me, elevate them beyond kitsch. Her paintings of her own Jack Russell Terrier, Chumley, are among my favorites.  She perfectly captures moments of rare moments quiet rest and inner reflection ( who hasn’t wondered what their dog was thinking?! ), filled with tenderness and love for her subject.

The Dream, oil on canvas, 36×24

Clair has a new exhibition now open in Wilmington at the WHQR Gallery Space– Faithful: A Series of Dog Paintings will be on display through January 13, 2012.  You can also visit her website to see more of her work and visit her Etsy shop to purchase!

Featured image is Wonky Bumbershoots by Clair Hartmann.  All images via the artist’s website and Etsy shop.

Painter, art and artist consultant, traveler, discoverer-- Lesley Frenz blogs and paints her way throughout the West Coast and Northwest, sharing the work she finds significant and meaningful. All while highly caffeinated.

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  • Lucky + Daisy
    November 1, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    OMD (og)! Clair is a master -or is it “mistress” of doggie beauty & infinite bewitching powers! Glad you found her – & shared. I was already a devotee.

    • Lesley
      November 1, 2011 at 11:34 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, L&D! I’ve been a fan of Clair’s work for quite some time, was lucky enough to work with her back in my gallery/art consultant days in Florida. I’ve loved seeing her really blossom and find her niche!

      Cheers!
      Lesley

  • Teia Pearson
    November 2, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Great find! Animal art has been overdone, yes, but finding the rare unique artists who add a unique spin to the animal art are priceless. Love Hartmann’s work! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    • Lesley
      November 2, 2011 at 9:59 AM

      Glad you liked Clair’s work, Teia! And thanks for posting it on StumbleUpon. 🙂

      Cheers!
      Lesley

  • Emma Chadwick
    October 10, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    I love these! I’m a sucker for cute dogs, and this artwork is extremely well done! So inspirational!

    • Lesley
      October 10, 2012 at 3:21 PM

      Glad you like Clair’s work, Emma! She really captures the spirit and personality of each of these pups, doesn’t she?

      • Emma Chadwick
        October 10, 2012 at 6:40 PM

        Definitely! Made me take a good long look at my two puppies and realize that I’ll just HAVE to draw them someday.