Dan Gartman's vibrant artwork blending cubism and futurism with mythical figures in a playful scene.

Dan Gartman Crafts Mythical and Playful Narratives with Cubism and Futurism

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-10

The fascination with analogue and handmade charm is palpable in the works of Canadian artist Dan Gartman. His creations, rich in imperfections and stories, draw inspiration from the sharp textures and geometric forms of Cubism and Futurism. Gartman employs watercolours, acrylics, and colored pencils to bring his unique visions to life. Here’s an exploration of four of his captivating works.

Cubism and Futurism in Gartman’s Work

Achilles

In Gartman’s interpretation of “The Iliad,” Achilles emerges not as a favorite but as a compelling subject. Crafted in a single, fluid attempt, the illustration combines watercolours with green pencil accents, capturing the essence of the epic hero’s complexity.

For another artist exploring intricate narratives, Jaehyun Kim creates narrative worlds worth discovering for their imaginative depth.

King of Clubs

The regal figure of the King, crafted for Gartman’s poker deck, commands the Club’s suit. With watercolours and ink pen, he adds gravitas, while a circuit-cutting machine aids in creating precise stencils. This technique enables the application of a gold emblem, adding a royal flair.

Colorful abstract shapes and figures creating a dynamic sense of movement and whimsy.
(Image credit: Dan Gartman)

Unknown Water Anomaly

Gartman’s imaginative prowess takes a dive into the ocean’s mysteries, speculating on the fate of lost ships. Utilizing acrylics on watercolour paper, this piece stirs the viewer’s imagination with its suggestion of the unknown and potentially terrifying.

Artistic composition featuring geometric forms interlaced with surreal, myth-inspired elements.
(Image credit: Dan Gartman)

Triplets

The dynamic design of “Triplets” or perhaps a singular entity, is part of Gartman’s monster card deck. Acrylic and watercolour paper provide the foundational textures, further enriched with a dry sponge technique that builds a textured backdrop for this intriguing character.

Add another layer to your understanding of playful design with Ella & Pitr’s colossal murals, which humorously transform urban spaces.

Complex interplay of shapes and colors forming a vibrant, imaginative narrative.
(Image credit: Dan Gartman)

Explore more of Dan Gartman’s innovative work on his website, where each piece tells its own story through meticulous craftsmanship and bold artistic vision.

Sources & Links

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Dan Gartman incorporate Cubism and Futurism?

Dan Gartman draws inspiration from the sharp textures and geometric forms of Cubism and Futurism, employing watercolours, acrylics, and colored pencils to bring his unique visions to life.

What techniques does Gartman use for his King of Clubs artwork?

For the King of Clubs, Gartman uses watercolours and an ink pen, along with a circuit-cutting machine to create precise stencils that enable the application of a gold emblem, adding a royal flair.

What story does the artwork ‘Unknown Water Anomaly’ explore?

‘Unknown Water Anomaly’ speculates on the fate of lost ships, stirring the viewer’s imagination with its suggestion of the unknown and potentially terrifying using acrylics on watercolour paper.