Biography

A Native of Hope, Rhode Island, Harley W. Bartlett, was educated at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania. A Long admirer of the American Beaux - Arts school of Art and Architecture in the late 19th and early 20th century, Bartlett has sought to model his career in a similar fashion. While starting his gallery career on a local level in southeastern New England Bartlett began an apprenticeship in studios such as Evergreene Painting Studios and American Illusion. Bartlett was soon restoring, reviving and recreating murals in State Houses, Theaters and casinos throughout the United States. The Renowned New York artist Richard Haas took note of Bartlett's abilities and soon had him execute his designs for large-scale Trompe L'oeil murals. In an article, "Making all of the right moves", M. Stephen Doherty of American Artist magazine wrote of Bartlett's growing career.

In 1993 Bartlett started his own studio and in addition to work for Richard Haas he was soon creating murals for clients such as Morris Nathanson Design and Niemitz design Group. Demands of running a business soon forced Bartlett to ease away from the gallery painting market, although he continued to accept commissions and private sales.

The last ten years have seen a steady growth in the scope of Bartlett's work. Murals for well established Restaurants such as the Capitol Grille, Legal Seafood, and Angelo and Maxis', for Churches and Synagogues such as St. Rocco's and Temple Emmanuel, for residences in Boston, New York and Palm Beach are only some of the many projects he and his artists have completed. His murals have been featured on the cover of Florida Architecture and Gentry magazines and have been inside Traditional Home, Interior Design, New York Magazine and Rhode Island Monthly. A mural Bartlett painted for Richard Haas was featured in the design section of Time Magazine.

Since 1999 Bartlett has been increasing his exposure to the New England fine art market. His fine art paintings may be found in many area and regional galleries (see gallery list). While he has maintained select commercial and residential accounts for mural and decorative projects his fine art paintings are increasingly demanding more and more of his time. Ever true to his Beaux-Arts roots Bartlett pursues murals, decorative art and fine art projects with equal vigor.