BIOGRAPHY
Björn Wirtz (b. 1979) is a German painter known for his atmospheric oil paintings that capture the essence and mood of the places he explores. Many of his works are created en plein air, painted directly in front of the subject – whether in the landscapes of Franconia, on Mallorca, or in Brittany – reflecting his deep connection with nature.
After receiving his degree in Visual Communication from the University of Applied Sciences in Krefeld in 2005, he worked as a freelance illustrator in the publishing industry. In 2007, he moved to Volkach, Bavaria, where he contributed as an artist and art director to various projects in the game and film industry.
Since 2013, he has dedicated himself fully to traditional painting. Starting with watercolor, he soon shifted his focus to oil on canvas. His work has received several awards, including recognition by the prestigious Art Renewal Center Salon (USA). In 2024, he became a member of the artist group Norddeutschen Realisten.
Wirtz's landscape paintings and still lifes are held in private collections across Europe, North and South America. Many of his original works are available for purchase.
STATEMENT
"I prefer to create my works in direct exchange with the subject. I want my enthusiasm for, and intensive engagement with, the visible to become tangible in my paintings. The motif is just a starting point, a spark that moves me to paint. By editing and simplifying, I want to create something that goes beyond what I see and ultimately reflects my feelings."
SELECTED AWARDS
art.to.go - 2nd place, April 2021
Boldbrush - Honorable Mention, July 2020
14t. ARC Salon Competition - Finalist in the Plein Air + Landscape Categories, 2020
Art Muse Contest - Emerging Artist Winner, April 2019
Art Muse Contest - Emerging Artist Finalist, March 2019
Art Muse Contest - Emerging Artist Finalist, June 2018
Art Muse Contest - Emerging Artist Finalist, May 2018
13th ARC Salon Competition - Finalist Plein Air, 2019
California Plein Air Painters International Salon - Award of Merit, 2016
Boldbrush Outstanding Watercolor Award, July 2015
Winner Watercolor Meeting, Würzburg, 2014
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2025
Kunstschaffen (G) - Robbe & Berking Museum , Flensburg - Learn more
"Being & Appearance" (S) - Kunsthaus Michel, Würzburg
"Unabsehbar" (S) - Gallery Haspelstraße Eins, Marburg
2024
"From near and far" (2P) - Galerie im Elysée, Hamburg
"Winter Exhibition 2024" (G) - Felix Jud, Hamburg - Learn more
"The small format" (G) - VKU, Würzburg
"Moments" (G) - Kunsthandlung Messerschmidt, Flensburg
"North German realists as guests on Mallorca" (G) - Galerie Halbach, Celle - Learn more
"Land of Legends" (G) / The North German Realists in Brittany - Künstlermuseum Heikendorf - Learn more
"Of blossoms and breezes" (S) - Galerie Elf, Itzehoe - Learn more
"Matter of opinion" (S) - Volkach - Learn more
2023
"Ice Age" - VKU, Würzburg
"In Dialog" (S) - Gallery Göldner, Bordesholm - Learn more
"The new ones" - VKU, Würzburg - Learn more
2021
"Insights" (S) - Kunsthaus Michel, Würzburg - Learn more
2020
"Picturesque Main Loop" (S) - Volkach - Learn more
2016
California Plein Air Painters International Salon, Monterey, USA
2015
Björn Wirtz (S) - WCC, Berlin
Legend: (S): Solo exhibition, (G): Group exhibition, (2P): Two-person exhibition
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Demonstration Article - International Artist Magazine / April/May 2025
Picture This Feature - Artists & Illustrators Magazine / March 2025
Artist profile - South African Artist Magazine / Issue 49, 2020
