Ray Hartl

Hartl was born in 1949 in Valparaiso, Indiana, and grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His interest in photography first began in 1971 while a student at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and then flourished while on a University-sponsored three-week trip to the Soviet Union. It was at this time that Hartl purchased his first camera to visually document the sights of Russia. Upon his return, he explored his newfound love of photography, and found that his interest in the medium had grown to a point where he found himself researching every aspect of it. From learning the intricacies of the camera itself and constantly developing new skills in the art form, Hartl has put his own stylistic stamp on the medium. Only three classes in photography have been the extent of Hartl’s formal training, which clearly illustrates his natural talent. After graduating in 1972 with his B.S. in Geography, he was promptly drafted into the army where he served for two years. Most of his free time was spent travelling throughout Southern Europe, all the while snapping photos of his travels and developing printing skills in an army darkroom facility. Reading every photography publication that was available to him, he absorbed as much information about the medium as he could. Upon discharge from the army, Hartl decided to pursue photography full time, and since 1977, he has traveled extensively through New England, the Canadian Maritime Provinces, the Southwestern United States, Hawaii, Florida, Japan, Europe, Central and South America. His work has been exhibited throughout the Country in art museums, galleries, and at juried art fairs, and are widely displayed in many public, private, and corporate collections. Along with his wife, Nancy Schieferstein - also a photographer, and their two sons, Hartl makes his home on twelve acres in the rolling lake country of Southeastern Wisconsin.

Ray Hartl Images:
Crepes
Gowns And Flowers
Umbrella Shoppe