“Striking expressive power”
Vollblut
My connection with horses began early.
Friends of my parents owned a stud farm. As a teenager, I spent a great deal of time around the horses there — fascinated by their strength, their elegance and their presence.
They also collected works by renowned equine painters. Many of them were masterfully executed. And yet, they lacked something essential: life.
The horses seemed frozen on the canvas.
Even then, I felt the desire to paint horses differently — not just their appearance, but their energy and presence.
Intensity and Precision
My paintings are bold and direct.
The use of colour is expressive, never decorative.
What matters most emerges in the details:
I paint the eyes with great precision. They are where the horse’s personality comes into focus.
That is where it is decided whether a portrait remains merely an image — or becomes alive.
Trust of the highest order
My works are owned by distinguished figures in international equestrian sport:
including
Isabell Werth
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl
Sandra Auffarth
Sönke Rothenberger
Patrik Kittel
Presence at international competitions and in specialist media
My works are shown in VIP areas at international competitions and are held by distinguished racing establishments, including Gestüt Röttgen and Gestüt Hof Ittlingen.
My work has been featured in publications including:
St. Georg · Reiter Revue International · Vollblut · Sport-Welt
Featured in a special exhibition at the German Horse Museum
The German Horse Museum dedicated a major special exhibition to my equine portraits.
“Expressive, full of character and elegant – just like D’avie. His portrait holds a place of honour, and we value it deeply. Thank you.”
Wettlkam Stud Farm
“It is extraordinary how, with only a few assured brushstrokes, Hartmut Hellner brings the character of our beloved horses to life on canvas.”
The most successful dressage rider of all time” (Pferderevue)
“I am particularly impressed by the way Hartmut Hellner has captured the horse’s true expression – above all the eye. The painting carries remarkable emotional depth.”
Olymic Gold-Medalist, World Champion, European and German Champion (Dressage)
“The personality of Viamant du Matz comes vividly to life in this powerful painting. I recommend him without reservation.”
Olymic Gold-Medalist, World Champion, European and German Champion (Eventing)
“We are incredibly proud of Touchdown and delighted to see his strength of character captured so beautifully in this painting. Thank you, Hartmut.”
World champion, eleven-time Swedish champion (dressage)
“His work portrays horses not merely in their outward form but as complex personalities – defined by power, dynamism, elegance and soul.”
“Hartmut Hellner inspires the equestrian scene with his colorful horse portraits.“
„Hartmut Hellner brings a whole new temperament to German horse painting with his modern, explosive way of painting.“
Exclusivity
I accept only a limited number of commissions each year to ensure each portrait receives my undivided attention.
Take a look over my shoulder (approx. 5 minutes)
Check availability
Begin the journey towards your individual horse portrait.