William Hartman

Born on Muskegon, MI in 1906, Hartman began his career under the mentorship of Hackley Art Gallery director Frank Almay and was the first Muskegon artist hired by the WPA, contributing dioramas for the city’s 1937 Centennial. He moved to Sarasota in 1945, where he met his wife Martha Dye, and became a key figure in the local art scene. He later taught life drawing, landscape, and portraiture at Ringling School of Art, inspiring generations of artists.

Known for his expressive plein air watercolors, Hartman captured morning light with bold brushwork and vivid color. His work reflects both the charm of old Sarasota and the tranquil landscapes of Michigan, where he spent summers painting.

In 1952, he and Martha founded the Hartman School of Art and gallery. Martha later established the Petticoat Painters in 1956, one of the oldest women’s painting groups in the U.S. William Hartman: An Artist’s Life showcases over two dozen works, vintage photos, and stories that celebrate his lasting influence on Sarasota’s artistic legacy.