Heiner Hertling, the Howell-based oil painter whose television series earned an Emmy nomination, will paint live in front of an audience at KickstART Gallery on Friday, Aug. 14, then auction the finished work on the spot to benefit the nonprofit gallery.
The demonstration anchors the opening reception for "Reflections of Nature," Hertling's exhibit of paintings exploring light, water, and wildlife, according to KickstART Farmington. The show opens Wednesday, Aug. 12, and runs through Saturday, Sept. 19, at the gallery's downtown Farmington location, 23616 Farmington Road.
The reception runs 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Wine and small bites will be served.
About the artist
Hertling founded the Michigan Plein Air Painters and hosts "Your Brush with Nature," a plein air painting series available on Amazon Prime Video. The show, which takes him to locations across the Midwest and the Rocky Mountains, earned an Emmy nomination, according to the Livingston Fine Art Association.
His career spans decades. He worked as a commercial artist in New York before spending roughly 20 years in Detroit's auto-industry advertising studios, eventually owning his own studio. His style ranges from detailed realism to bold impressionistic work, according to Main Street Art in Milford, which carries his pieces.
KickstART's summer lineup
The exhibit follows Carol LaBelle's "Michigan in Contrast" black-and-white photography show, which we covered July 23 and which closes Saturday, Aug. 8. The back-to-back programming reflects a busy stretch for the nonprofit, which also welcomed new Creative Director Gisvi Pardo de Reyes in May.
KickstART Farmington launched in 2012 as the organizer of the Greater Farmington Film Festival and opened its gallery and gift shop in 2019, according to Downtown Farmington.
Plan your visit
Regular gallery hours are Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Additional hours may apply during the exhibit; check kickstartfarmington.org for updates.
Upcoming at KickstART Gallery:
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 19 — "Reflections of Nature: Paintings by Heiner Hertling"
- Friday, Aug. 14, 5–8 p.m. — Opening reception with live painting demo and auction (free)
