The Four-Legged Sculptures Of "Dog Artist" Skip Hartzell

'Big Pink’, Papercrete and Resin, 36 x 32 x 16 Inches

South Florida artist Skip Hartzell creates unique art inspired by man’s best friend. His inspiration comes in the form of a morning walk, accompanied by a furry friend. Hartzell creates large paintings and works on paper that capture the essence of “dog”. He is best known for his unique sculptures recognized immediately by their distinct form and style that only Hartzell can produce.

Skip Hartzell Art Collectors, Art Palm Beach Fair

The canine-inspired artworks that he creates are figments of his artistic imagination and creative vision. Hartzell creates directly from his emotions and instincts, his work is inspired by dogs of all shapes, sizes and varieties.

'Nine Dog Wreck', Papercrete and Resin, 28 x 18 x 16 Inches

“Dogs are always in the moment. Although nothing in life has held my attention longer or has been more fascinating to me than dogs, my work is about much more than that. It is about form, movement, color and texture." Hartzell’s art studio is crawling with canine-based works. Whether he’s painting or sculpting, Hartzell’s dogs have a wonderful quality of friendliness about them, and it’s hard to keep yourself from reaching out to touch. And that’s perfectly okay with Hartzell. He’s never been one to place a rope around his artwork.

Skip with two wall dog sculptures

“The texture is so important because the tactile experience of sculpture is so primal for me,” he says. “You grab with your hands and just start to mush things together and get your fingers on the materials, and there is just such a richness to the feel.” 

Skip Hartzell Art Collector, Aqua Art Miami Fair

Skip says whenever he’s doing a show, he is quick to hand his sculptures to the patrons so they can enjoy the feeling, too. And whether it’s paint on canvas or sculpture, the texture is one of the most captivating and inviting parts of experiencing his artwork. Hartzell may not set out to mimic the look of someone’s beloved pet, but he says his sculptures and paintings often evoke a fond memory of a furry family member.

The artist has held numerous solo exhibitions at notable art galleries and prestigious art fairs such as Art Palm Beach, A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, ArtHouse 429, Paul Fisher Gallery, Aqua Art Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach and many more. 

'Wall Dog #5', Papercrete and Resin, 8 x 12 Inches

"The dogs are a recognizable common denominator that allows me to communicate my joy of living, passions and sentiments,” explained Skip Hartzell. He is a longtime supporter of no-kill animal rescues and donates proceeds from the sale of his artworks to animal-rescue, no kill shelters. For sales, commissions, or general inquiries, email: skipperhartzell@yahoo.com and visit www.skiphartzell.com