Robert Hartwig is a self-taught photographer and painter whose work is deeply rooted in personal experience and global perspective. Having lived and worked across diverse environments—from the vibrant communities of West Africa to the plains of Nebraska—Hartwig brings a unique sensitivity to place, culture, and everyday life.

His creative journey began as a hobby and gradually evolved into a form of visual storytelling, blending commissioned work for educational projects in developing countries with a personal archive of photography and paintings. Much of his inspiration comes from his years living and traveling both abroad and in the US: particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad, where he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and worked in public health; as well as in different locations across the US working for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. These experiences shape both the content and tone of his work, often capturing real-life subjects and translating them into pieces rich with color, texture, and emotional depth.

Drawing inspiration from nature in places like Chad’s Chari River, Ethiopia’s many and diverse extremes, and the windswept landscapes of North Dakota, Hartwig’s work evokes a sense of curiosity and connection. His paintings often begin with a photograph—many taken during his travels—and evolve into vibrant compositions that invite viewers to see the world with fresh eyes.

Now based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Hartwig continues to find creative energy in his surroundings, whether capturing the stark beauty of the Midwest or the vibrant life he encountered in faraway places. A lifelong lover of nature, he is especially drawn to the often-unseen world of insects and the intricacies revealed through macro photography. His work invites viewers to slow down and notice the extraordinary in the small and the subtle—be it the delicate structure of a moth’s wing or the quiet rhythm of rural landscapes.

Hartwig's aim is simple yet powerful: to inspire. Through his art, he hopes to ignite a sense of wonder, to encourage travel and exploration, and to offer new ways of seeing the familiar and the faraway.