An older man standing in a living room next to a fireplace with a fire burning, decorated with artwork on the walls and a side table with a lamp.

​Artist Statement

Welcome! I'm Michael Hartstein.


I'm a California-born oil painter inspired by the bold beauty of nature. For over 50 years, I’ve been capturing the vibrant colors, energy, and movement found in the natural world—from sunlit coastlines and colorful florals to serene wildlife and dynamic landscapes.

My impressionistic style reflects a deep love for nature and a passion for color. Each piece I create is meant to bring joy, calm, and a touch of the outdoors into your space.

In recent years, I’ve been sharing my work at local art fairs, where I love meeting collectors face-to-face and seeing how people connect with my paintings. I paint full-time from my studio in Westlake Village, and my work has been shown from Southern California to Times Square in New York.

Whether you're an avid collector or discovering my art for the first time, I'm glad you're here—and I hope you find a piece that speaks to you.

Artist stands next to his latest colorful abstract painting of red flowers with green, yellow, blue, and orange background elements. The man is smiling at the camera in a bright room with natural light.
An artist standing in front of an art booth at an outdoor art fair, displaying colorful paintings of flowers and nature. There are other booths and people walking in the background on a sunny day.
A man painting abstract artwork with vibrant colors on a canvas in an art studio.

Beverly Hills Art Fair

I got to talk to visitors from all over the world who love art

Exhibitions

2025

. Spring Art & Craft Festival- Newbery Park, CA

. Studio City Art Fair – Studio City, CA

. Hermosa Beach Fine Art Festival - Hermosa Beach, CA

. Beverly Hills Art Festival- Beverly Hills, CA

. Open Main Street Festival- Santa Monica, CA

. Ojai, CA Art Fair – Ojai, CA

. Channel Island Art Festival – Oxnard, CA

. Ventura Art & Chalk Festival – Ventura, CA

2024

  • Ventura Art & Chalk Festival – Ventura, CA

  • Ojai, CA Art Fair – Ojai, CA

  • Studio City Art Fair – Studio City, CA

  • Channel Island Art Festival – Oxnard, CA

  • Beverly Hills Art Festival- Beverly Hills, CA

  • Mayors Art Fair- Agoura Hills, CA

  • Encino Terrace Gallery- Encino, CA

2023

  • Malibu Artapalooza Art Fair – Malibu, CA
    Award: Best Use of Color

  • Artlounge Gallery – Featured Paintings, CA

  • Beverly Hills Art Show – Beverly Hills, CA

  • NMVC Gallery – New York, NY
    Award: Best in Show
    Painting Displayed on Jumbotron

2019–2023

  • California Art League – Various Locations, CA

  • Westlake Art Guild Gallery – Westlake Village, CA
    Awards: Best in Show, 2nd Place, Honorable Mentions

  • Thousand Oaks Art Show – Thousand Oaks, CA
    Awards: 1st Place

  • Simi Valley Art Show – Simi Valley, CA
    Award: 2nd Place

Online Exhibitions

An oil painting of a scenic woodland landscape at sunset with three deer standing near a reflective water body, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and vibrant flowers. The sky is a warm yellow-orange, casting a glow over the scene.

Lou-Ann Albiol-Ducos, Singular Art

“Michael Hatstein's portofolio demonstrates a great understanding of colour theory, with a rich and vibrant palette. This colour palette allows for his landscapes and inspired scenes to come to life and enhance the visual impact of his fauna and flora representations. The viewers are brought into immersive experiences thanks to the flowing compositions and intricate details. The brushstrokes are expressive and the layers almost impressionist. Hatstein manages to capture the beauty and raw essence of nature through his art.”

Explore the Collection

Floral
Nature
Human Nature