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

Michael Hartstein’s work begins with a deep love of nature, wildlife, and the color found in the world around us.

His paintings blend realism with imagination, capturing animals, landscapes, flowers, and natural scenes with a style that feels both familiar and unexpected. He is drawn to the personality of wildlife, the humor in a gesture or expression, and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Rather than simply recreating what he sees, Michael brings his own point of view to each piece. His work often combines careful observation with bold color, playful energy, and a sense of life that makes each subject feel personal.

Whether painting a field of wildflowers, a dramatic landscape, or an animal with a bit of character, Michael creates art that invites people to look closer, smile, and feel more connected to nature.

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

2026

. Spring Art & Craft Festival- Newbery Park, CA

. Studio City Art Fair – Studio City, CA

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