Resume
Biography
Barbara Hartmann emigrated from Pennsylvania to Alberta in 1971. She studied at Miami University in Ohio and at the University of Alberta where she received a B.A. with an art major. After University she took the first of several watercolour courses and fell in love with the medium. From 1984 -1995 she taught watercolour at the Faculty of Extension, U. of A. Since 1986 she has freelanced as an illustrator and focused on materials for children. Three Edmonton Hospitals commissioned her work for their paediatric units and her work is included in many educational publications as well as a number of trade children’s books. Barbara's vibrantly coloured paintings are inspired by a narrative theme and often center around fanciful characters and flying animals.
Publications
Into the Midnight Garden, by Jessica Heine and Barbara Hartmann, Dempster & Craig, 2023
Bygumbo, by Gwen Molnar and Barbara Hartmann, Dempster & Craig, 2018
Hazel’s Rainbow Ride, by Gwen Molnar and Barbara Hartmann, Dempster & Craig, 2013
There’s Music in a Pussycat, by Richard Thompson, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1999
Then and Now, by Richard Thompson, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1999.
Fishes in the Ocean, by Maggee Spicer and Richard Thompson, Fitzhenry & Whiteside,1998.
Getting Rid of Mr. Ribitus, by Alison Lohans, Hodgepog Books, 1998.
Ben and the Carrot Predicament, by Mar’ce Merrell, Hodgepog Books, 1998.
A Gift for Johnny Know-It-All, by Mary Woodbury, Hodgepog Books, 1996.
Telling Tales, Storytelling in the Family, by Gail de Vos and Merle Harris, Dragon Hill Publishers, 1995.
Purple Hair? I Don’t Care!, by Dianne Young, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002, Oxford University Press, 1994, Stoddart, 1994, Kane/Miller, 1995.
The Abaleda Voluntary Firehouse Band, by Dianne Young, Tree Frog Press, 1990.
The Noisy Alphabet Book, contributor, Yonge & Bloor Publishers, 1990.
Royal Family Fables, edited by Alan Shute, Tree Frog Press, 1989.
Special Canadian Communities, by Elma Shemenaur, Weigl Publishers, 1987.
Illustrations and covers created for the “Nova” series, Ukrainian Language Education Centre ,1986 - 2003.
Public Collections
University of Alberta Hospital, Paediatric Surgery Unit, 4 large watercolours, 2014
CANSCAIP collection, (traveling exhibit), image from The Abaleda Voluntary Firehouse Band, ‘95-present.
University of Alberta Hospital, Paediatric I.C.U., 3 large watercolours, 1995
Misericordia Hospital, Paediatric Examination Room and hallway, mural, 1994
Orlando’s Bookstore, mural, 1994
Windsor Park Elementary School, mural, 1993
Alberta Art Foundation, 1992, 1984
Ronald McDonald House, 1986
University of Alberta Hospital, 1986
University of Alberta, 1984
Selected Commissions & Donations
| 2014 | Commissioned artwork, 4 paintings, U. of Alberta Hospital |
| 2008 | Commissioned mural, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital |
| 2006 | Climb-on train, commissioned by the Edmonton Public Library |
| 2005 | Chrysalis Poster, commissioned by the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS) |
| 2005 | Artwork selected for CANSCAIP anniversary poster |
| 2004 | Artwork commissioned for a poster for the Canadian Labour Congress/Literacy |
| 1993 - 2008 | Artwork donated to Youth Emergency Shelter for Christmas card and bookmark. |
| 2000 | Mural commissioned by the University Infant and Toddler Daycare. |
| 1999 | Edmonton Opera poster and brochures, commissioned for the 1999/2000 season. |
| 1991, ‘92, ’93, ‘94 | Summer Reading Club Poster, commissioned by the Edmonton Public Library. |
Exhibitions
| October, 2023 | Illustrations from Into the Midnight Garden, at Book launch. |
| October 2013 | McMullen Gallery, U. Of A. Hospital, illustrations from Hazel’s Rainbow Ride |
| November, 2007 | Mezzanine Gallery, Glenrose Hospital, “Celebration”, solo show. |
| [Date Not Provided] | Blue Curve Gallery, Glenrose Hospital, Retrospect of paintings for Christmas cards |
| June, 2006 | Blue Rabbit Studio, open studio showcasing painted furniture. |
| May, 2005 | Blue Rabbit Studio, "Out of the Frame", open studio showcasing furniture. |
| February, 2003 | Front Gallery group show, featured artist, with Raffaella Montemurro,. |
| 1999 - 2002 | Young Alberta Book Society, “From Storyboard to Storybook”, traveling exhibit. |
| October, 1996 - April 2001 | Edmonton Public Library, Exhibitions at Lessard and Idylwylde branches. |
| January - March, 1998 | McMullen Gallery, U. of A. Hospital, “Myth, Magic and Make Believe”, group |
| July, 1996 - July, 1998 | Muttart Public Gallery (Calgary), “Hues of Blue”, group. |
| October, 1996 | Audreys Bookstore, “A Gift for Johnny Know-It-All”, illustrations. |
| April, 1995 | Front Gallery, “Into Another Place”, 2-person. |
| May, 1993 | Front Gallery, “Garden Spirits”, group |
| November, 1992 | Front Gallery, “Garden Party”, 2-person. |
| November, 1990 | Greenwoods’ Bookstore, “The Abaleda Voluntary Firehouse Band”, illustrations. |
| November 1989 | Front Gallery, 2-person. |
| December (‘82-’02) | Front Gallery, group. |
| July 1989-’91,’93-’95 | The Works, Faculty of Extension staff show. |
| April 1984 | Front Gallery, 2-person. |
| June, 1983 | Kaleidoscope/Universiade |
| December, 1981 | Foyer Gallery, The Edmonton Public Library, solo |