John Hartman is a Canadian artist born in 1950 in Midland, Ontario. He studied Fine Art at McMaster University under George Wallace. Hartman is known for his contemporary landscape paintings, and his work draws inspiration from various sources, including the Canadian tradition of the Group of Seven landscape painters, the celestial paintings of David Milne, and European art movements, notably German Expressionism.
In 2003, he began to focus on painting aerial views of cities, and this theme was prominently featured in his solo exhibition "City Portraits – New Orleans" in 2013. His artworks often reflect a unique and vibrant color palette. Hartman's distinctive approach involves flying over cities in a chartered plane, photographing the views, and creating small watercolor studies. These studies serve as the basis for larger, more defined oil paintings.
A noteworthy aspect of his New Orleans series is the incorporation of portraits of local musicians, adding a personal and cultural dimension to his work. Hartman's art has received recognition nationally and internationally, including exhibitions and publications that have showcased his talent. He has been a finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and has received grants from the Canada and Ontario Arts Councils.
Hartman's artwork can be found in the collections of numerous significant public institutions,
such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Library of Canada, and the University of
Lethbridge Art Gallery, among others. He is based in Penetanguishene, Ontario, and is known
for his travels across North America and Europe, documenting landscapes, cities, and their
stories for his paintings. His dynamic and unique style redefines perceptions of landscape and
human interaction with the environment.