Bo Bartlett believes in painting as an act of discovery. Drawing from a space of curiosity, wanderlust, and nostalgia, Bartlett’s process begins in the subconscious. Narratives unfold over time, resulting in monumental realist works, reminiscent of cinematic stills with nods to the Americana influences of Wyeth, Homer, and Rockwell. The immersive paintings present stories for viewers to explore and contemplate.

Developed over the past two and a half years, this body of work examines the theme of transition. Drawn from hypnogogic images, Bartlett develops the works through sketches and studies, before using family, friends, and acquaintances as figure models. The scenes that unfold depict his protagonists at a crossroads—a pivotal standstill in a state of psychological and physical flux. Driving across desolate plains in the name of blind faith, traversing tumultuous waters, remaining steadfast in an age of increasing anxiety, and pushing oneself to the brink of survival to sacrifice their former life and begin anew. In the artist’s words, “Each painting represents this process—the growth, the discovery—the moment of hesitation before the embarkation upon our life’s journey.” 

Bo Bartlett (b. 1955, Columbus, GA) received his Certificate of Fine Arts in 1981 from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and a Certificate of Filmmaking from New York University in 1986. In 2023, Bartlett received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Art from the New York Academy of Art and The Honorary Certificate from the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.