Oak Group-Glenna Hartmann

Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1948, Glenna Hartmann started drawing and painting at an early age. During formal studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts she was guided and inspired by her mentors there: Arthur De Costa, Will Barnet, Dan Miller and Marshall Glasier. She was awarded a traveling scholarship which allowed her seven months of independent study in Europe. After moving to Southern California in 1975, her focus on figurative work, portraiture and animals gradually shifted to pure landscape.

"It was during a three month camping trip to Baja that I experienced an overwhelming urge to celebrate the sheer beauty that I opened my eyes to everyday. But it was an enormous struggle at first. I gradually learned a great deal about plein air painting techniques from my artist friends in Santa Barbara."

Glenna continues to live and work in Santa Barbara but makes frequent painting trips to Northern California, the Southwest, Santa Cruz Island and a favorite Santa Ynez Valley location, Rancho San Fernando Rey. In 1997 she was invited to stay and paint at the Forbes' Chateau de Balleroy in Normandy with 20 other artists. The work produced was later featured in American Artist Magazine and the Forbes Galleries in New York. She has also enjoyed the camaraderie of painting with other artists on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and recently in Yosemite Valley.

"When I paint outdoors surrounded by my subject, I am fueled by a sense of urgency to capture a moment in time, the essence of a place. An honest response comes from an emotional level and I seek to paint from my heart. The transitory quality of light-how it defines the underlying anatomy of the landscape and gives an almost tangible quality to the atmosphere is inspirational. I never tire of exploring the subtle effect of moisture laden air on color and value. For me, landscape painting is about imparting a sense of wonder with the natural world."

Canyon Rd, Late Summer pastel on paper 15 x 28 1/2"

Glenna's pastel work has been featured in art magazines as well as several books: 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists by Katchen; Ranchos and Santa Barbara Gardens both published by the Easton Gallery. Today she enjoys active participation in The Oak Group's endeavors, signature membership in the California Art Club and Pastel Society of America and a close affiliation with The Easton Gallery where she exhibits regularly