Meet the Artist: AJ Bartelle

Artist AJ Bartelle, a native of Big Bear, California, was drawn to nature. Her early years were filled with travels throughout the Midwest and Western United States. The experience provided her lasting memories of varied landscapes.

As a teenager, AJ continued exploring new horizons, visiting Hawaii and Alaska. Travels to Europe further broadened her appreciation for the natural beauty of the world around her.

She began her art education at the age of sixteen after visiting the Chicago Art Museum where she saw original works of art by Monet and the masters. She followed by taking evening art class as a sophomore in high school.

Marriage and family called, but AJ found artistic outlet dedicating seven years to serving as an art docent for elementary school students (preschool to 5th grade) providing students with engaging and diverse art lessons through careful planning and coordination.

She returned to college in 2019 to pursue a degree in studio arts, art history, and archaeology, broadening her knowledge and skills in these fields.

AJ’s art focuses on transformative landscapes where light and color, line and texture seek to transform the experience of the viewer. The object is to stir recollection and emotion blending impressionism with representational art.

When not working in her studio, AJ works for a national arts and crafts company. She lives in San Diego’s east county.