Arthur Gebhardt: Observations and Imaginations
Arthur Gebhardt painted the world through the dual lenses of observation and imagination. His work demonstrates the discipline and rigor of an attentive eye and the interpretive freedom of an artist engaged in continual exploration. Informed by decades of family life, professional leadership, and travel, his paintings chart an evolving dialogue between what is seen and what is envisioned.
From early representational landscapes to distilled abstractions, the arc of his career reflected a sustained inquiry into perception, memory, and the expressive potential of form. This archive invites. You into the space where the tangible and the imagined exist in deliberate conversation.
Discover the Life and Legacy of Artist Art Gebhardt
Arthur Gebhardt (1928-2022) was a son, brother, husband, father of seven, grandfather to 14, keen businessman, man of faith, man of good humor, traveler, avid reader, athlete, and on top of all these accomplishments, he was a devoted artist and painter throughout his life.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gebhardt was the first in his family to attend college, earning his degree in art from the University of Wisconsin. In those early years, mentorships helped form the foundation of his practice. His disciplined work ethic and draftsmanship coupled with his appetite for lifelong learning only pushed him further into what he would consider the serious pursuit of art throughout his life.
By the 1950s, Gebhardt had stepped into the leadership of the family business, A.L. Gebhardt Company, with his father, uncle, and brother, overseeing a thriving leather goods company for decades. His role demanded much of his time and focus. Yet art never slipped to the margins. He always found time to fill sketchbooks and worked on canvases and spent time in his home studios.
The Golden Years
Retiring early in the 1980s allowed Gebhardt to pursue painting with full focus. His travels abroad, particularly to France and Italy, inspired his work and his influences.
During this time some of his work became more experimental and abstract. In later years, his subjects ranged from still lifes in vibrant color palettes to deeply personal portraits.
Throughout his life, Gebhardt chose not to sell his work. Rather, it decorated his home and the homes of friends and family around the country. As he was both a prolific painter and a prolific gift-giver, this archive gathers in one place the beautiful works created by him over time and offers all who loved him the chance to see a lifetime of work in one collection.
Discover the Artistic Journey
of Art Gebhardt
Abstracts
In bold geometries and saturated hues, Gebhardt often explored beyond the forms of traditional portraits and landscapes.
Portraits & Figures
Arthur Gebhardt’s portraits and figure studies demonstrate his fascination with people as living subjects caught in moments of humor, reflection, vulnerability, and presence.
Landscapes
Arthur Gebhardt frequently examined landscapes tracing his travels, interests, and imagined places.
Interiors & Still Life
Arthur’s interiors and still lives are where structure and color truly stand out.
Featured Artwork
“Untitled”
(Wedding in the Sky)
Oil on canvas
Gebhardt was an avid student of art history and his bookshelves were always full of dog-eared art books. He was particularly inspired by Marc Chagall. He completed this painting in the style of Marc Chagall. In this painting, the flying bride and groom are Arthur and his wife Patricia, and their children flying with them over the skyline of Milwaukee and, in particular, Milwaukee’s St. Roberts Church where many family events were celebrated.
