In my recent body of work, I immerse myself in the captivating landscapes of Southern California and the American West, capturing their innate splendor through a blend of plein air oil paintings and photography. Each stroke of my brush and click of my camera lens is a homage to the profound beauty that surrounds us, a beauty that is both fragile and resilient.

My artistic journey is a quest to convey the awe-inspiring majesty of wild lands, to evoke a deep sense of reverence for the natural world that sustains us. Through vibrant oil paintings infused with the golden hues of a sunrise over the Santa Rosa Plateau or the grand views of the Yampa River Canyon, I seek to transport viewers to these sacred spaces, inviting them to witness the breathtaking harmony of earth, sky, and sea.

Yet, alongside this celebration of nature's grandeur lies a solemn awareness of the threats it faces. Global warming and unchecked human development cast a shadow over these pristine landscapes, endangering their delicate ecosystems and irreplaceable biodiversity. With each brushstroke, I express not only a love for the land but also a call to action—a plea to protect and preserve these wild spaces for generations to come.

Through my art, I hope to inspire others to cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world, to foster a sense of stewardship that transcends borders and divisions. For it is only through collective action and a shared commitment to conservation that we can safeguard the beauty that surrounds us, ensuring that future generations may experience the wonder of Southern California and the American West in all its untamed glory.

- Paul Hardt

Paul Hardt (B. 1975, Denver CO) is an art historian and multidisciplinary artist who works in a large variety of mediums and techniques. He earned his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Art History, with a minor in Photography from Metropolitan State University Denver (2001). Previously he has worked for the Robischon Gallery in Denver and Pace Prints in New York City. He establish his own internationally recognized gallery, P Design Gallery in Denver in 2005. He has severed on the boards of the Denver Art Museum's Design Department, and the Invisible Museum in Denver. Paul works as multimedia commercial artist, producing numerous documentaries, animations and motion graphic video productions. He is a member of the California Art Club, Desert Art Center, Dorland Mountain Arts, and the Inland Empire Photo Club.
 
Paul Hardt's work explores the natural world and the ways in which human activity impacts and shapes it. With a diverse range of mediums at his disposal, including photography, video, animation, illustration, and traditional oil paint, Hardt's work is characterized by its versatility and innovation.
 
Paul's art is deeply rooted in his love of the landscape and his commitment to documenting the changing world around him. From sweeping vistas of the natural world to intimate glimpses of the human experience, Hardt's work is a testament to his passion for art and his desire to connect with others through his work.
 
Whether creating stunning photographs, captivating videos, or intricate illustrations, Hardt is dedicated to exploring and sharing the beauty of the world with others. His work is a celebration of the natural world and a call to action to protect and preserve it for future generations.