Check Out Michael Hartstein’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Hartstein.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From Kitchens to Canvases: Michael Hartstein’s Journey to Full-Time Artist

For Michael Hartstein, art was never just a hobby—it was a way of seeing the world. After a successful career spanning decades as a high-end Kitchen and Bath Designer, Hartstein has embraced a new chapter as a full-time artist. But in truth, he never really left the canvas.

“I’ve been painting off and on for over 50 years,” says Hartstein, from his light-filled studio in Westlake Village. “Even when I was designing kitchens and baths, I was always approaching each project like it was a work of art.”

Hartstein’s transition from construction design to full-time oil painting might seem like a dramatic shift. But to him, the two professions share the same creative heartbeat.

“When I looked at a new kitchen or bath project, I saw a blank canvas,” he explains. “Just like a painter begins with good drawing skills, in design, it starts with a layout—how the cabinets flow, where the light hits, the rhythm of space. You’re composing.”

During his years with a high-end construction company, Hartstein earned a reputation for transforming ordinary spaces into stunning environments. He credits his artistic eye and intuitive design sense for those transformations. “You’re making constant choices—modern or traditional cabinetry, light or dark finishes, stone or tile backsplashes. It’s just like choosing the direction of a painting: bold or subtle, textured or smooth, vibrant or serene.”

But it wasn’t until three years ago, upon retiring from construction, that Hartstein decided to dedicate himself entirely to his first love: painting.

Now, his canvases burst with the same joy, color, and creativity that once defined his remodels. Inspired by the natural world, Hartstein’s impressionistic oil paintings capture everything from sun-drenched coastlines to wildlife in quiet repose. His style is expressive, vibrant, and full of movement—an homage to California’s natural beauty and his lifelong passion for the outdoors.

“My goal when I paint is simple: I want to bring joy and beauty into people’s homes,” Hartstein says. “Nature is endlessly inspiring. When someone sees one of my paintings and says it makes them feel happy or peaceful, that’s everything to me.”

In recent years, he has shared his work at art fairs across Southern California, gaining new admirers with every event. His paintings have even made their way to New York’s Times Square—a long way from his early days sketching between construction site visits.

And while he’s now fully immersed in his art career, Hartstein doesn’t see it as a reinvention. “It’s not a new path—it’s a continuation,” he says. “Designing and painting are both about envisioning something beautiful and bringing it to life.”

From kitchens to canvases, Michael Hartstein’s journey is a reminder that creativity knows no bounds—and that it’s never too late to turn a lifelong passion into a fulfilling second act.

You can find Hartstein’s latest work at local art fairs or view his full portfolio online. For those seeking bold, joyful artwork inspired by the natural world, his vibrant brushstrokes may be just what your walls have been waiting for.

For more information on upcoming shows or to view Michael’s artwork, visit his Instagram or contact him through his website.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“I knew I had to market my art, but I didn’t know where to begin,” Hartstein says. “Social media? I had no idea how Facebook or Instagram worked.”
Determined to learn, he took Facebook marketing classes and experimented with building a website. “It was a lot of trial and error,” he admits. “But I knew if people could just see my work, they’d respond.”
At first, he thought galleries were the way to go. But sending paintings to far-off places didn’t feel right. Instead, he took matters into his own hands and invested in a booth setup to show at art fairs.
The first year was tough—slow sales and figuring out which fairs fit his style. But now, two years in, Hartstein is thriving. “Art fairs let me connect with people face-to-face. That’s what really sells art.”
Despite the rocky start, he never lost faith in his work. “I always believed the public would love my paintings. I just had to find the right way to reach them.”
Now painting full-time in Westlake Village, Hartstein is proving that passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn can turn a dream into a thriving second act.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been creative in everything I do. I love to express myself in my painting. I try and paint every day. I use Oil and sometime Acrylic as my medium. My inspiration comes from what I see in nature. The direction my art has taken is using bold and vibrant colors. In talking to alot of people in the Air Fairs, they love flowers, animals and bold colors. I can also talk about my paintings and what each one represents. What sets me apart from the others, is that people can feel how much I love what I do, and I can share some of that with them

How do you think about luck?
I don’t belive in good luck or bad luck. I belive in always moving forward and trying a lot of ideas, seeing what works best for me. If something does not work, I will try somthing else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaelhartsteinart.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartart30/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelhartsteinart/