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Carl Bretzke

American, b. 1954

Carl Bretzke is known for his nighttime paintings, also known as Nocturnes. It is in these nocturne paintings that Bretzke can investigate the different colors emanating from different light sources, both natural and artificial. Luminous tonal qualities enchant the viewer.  Bretzke is a representational painter who specializes in urban scenes and plein air landscapes. Carl's work has been exhibited extensively in Minnesota and California, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Carl's work has been described in the Washington Post as "simultaneously intimate and detached…the artist's unadorned style recalls Edward Hopper and The Ashcan School." Bretzke holds an MD degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Colorado, where he also received a minor in fine art. He has also trained extensively under Plein Air Painters of America signature artist Joseph Paquet.

"Great Lakes South Shore" American Realist oil painting of sunset over harbor
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Great Lakes South Shore" is an oil painting of a sunset over a harbor in Minnesota. Painted en plein air by Midwest realist painter Carl Bretzke. Framed. Signed "C.Bretzke" lower left Carl Bretzke is a representational painter who specializes in urban scenes, nocturnes, and plein-air landscapes. He is a member of the Plein Air Painters of America since 2021. Carl's work has been exhibited extensively in Minnesota and California, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Carl's work has been described in the Washington Post as "simultaneously intimate and detached…The artist's unadorned style recalls Edward Hopper and The Ashcan school." Carl holds an MD degree from the University of...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Villa After Dark" realist nocturne painting of Italian farmhouse & dinner party
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Villa After Dark" is a realist nocturne painting of Italian farmhouse & dinner party under the lights. Framed. Signed at bottom left. Carl Bretzke is a representational painter who specializes in urban scenes, nocturnes, and plein-air landscapes. He is a member of the Plein Air Painters of America since 2021. Carl's work has been exhibited extensively in Minnesota and California, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Carl's work has been described in the Washington Post as "simultaneously intimate and detached…The artist's unadorned style recalls Edward Hopper and The Ashcan school." Carl holds an MD degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Colorado...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

"Sun Breaking Through/Port Salerno" - 2023 American Realist seascape in Florida
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An Oil painting of boats in a marina. Above, the suns rays pierce through the clouds. American realist painter Carl Bretzke is particularly adept at nocturne scenes which ooze in d...
Category

2010s American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Florida Sky - 2023 American Realist sunset on beach, en plein air oil painting
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting of a cloud filled sky at sunset. The foreground is set along a sandy beach, white sand meeting dunes, tire tracks in the sand lead our eye to a pair of figures, seate...
Category

2010s American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

"Perched" oil painting of California coastline, large rock on beach, figures
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Oil painting of figures interacting with a large rock formation on a beach in California. A lone figure has climbed atop to sit perched up on the rock, and through the alcove, we see...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Linen, Oil

"Remnants of Winter" oil painting, American realist tree-lined street, suburbia
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Oil painting of a neighborhood in the winter. A quiet, tree-lined street is sprinkled with snow. A yellow sky blends into blue and above. Frame dimensions: 32 x 44 inches Artist ...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Linen, Oil

"Coral Cove Rock" oil painting, beach sunbathers gathering around large boulder
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Coral Cove Rock" is an oil painting by contemporary artist, Carl Bretzke. Coral Cove is located in Jupiter Florida, known for it's large rocks along the b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Oil, Linen, Panel

"December Snow on Cars" 2023 Snowy American Realist painting in Minnesota
By Carl Bretzke
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An oil painting of cars parked along the street, coated with snow. Christmas lights sparkle in the yard behind the cars, a modest ranch house leaves the front porch light on, welcomi...
Category

2010s American Realist Carl Bretzke

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

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Carl Bretzke art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Carl Bretzke art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Carl Bretzke in oil paint, paint, fabric and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Impressionist style. Not every interior allows for large Carl Bretzke art, so small editions measuring 12 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Bob Stuth-Wade, Danny Heller, and Tom Swimm. Carl Bretzke art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,400 and tops out at $14,200, while the average work can sell for $4,000.

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