Gene L. Rantz was an American fine arts painter. He graduated as an art major from Western Michigan University in 1954 and spent his early years working as a graphic artist in the Kalamazoo area. From 1985 until his death in August 2021. Gene worked in fine art as a landscape painter in the traditional, direct from nature style of the early impressionist painters.

Northport was home during the summer and autumn seasons. From his studio to the country-side, you would find Gene painting the wonderful landscapes of the Leelanau peninsula in northern Michigan. Gene was an active and vibrant member of the Leelanau art community. Along with many friends and colleagues, Gene would spend countless hours participating in environmental issues regarding the preservation of nature.

During the winter season Gene would relocate to his home and studio in Suwannee, Florida. Gene discovered the charms of this beautiful hidden coast nearly forty years ago and had been exploring, fishing and painting there every winter until his death. His paintings have the magic that only an intimacy with the back country creeks, hammocks, wildlife and fish houses can impart. From his dock, Gene would load his 24 foot gulf fishing boat with his painting supplies and set out to capture old world Florida within the vast National Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge.

“I paint many things in Suwannee and the hidden coast region because I fear they cannot last. Old fish houses and the fisher’s way of life are very vulnerable and perhaps will only survive in images such as paintings. The wilderness around us, however, with care and love from all of us, can survive long after we are gone.” Gene Rantz

Gene would also take painting trips to Alaska, Costa Rica, Virgin Islands, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico. Maryland and Maine.

 His works are owned by collectors throughout the U.S.A. Currently Gene’s original and giclee artwork is managed through the Gene L. Rantz Fine Art LLC. Original paintings are not for sale at this time. However due to Gene’s foresight, many original works were captured and reproductions are available for purchase through this website.

To Contact the Gene Rantz Fine Art LLC:

WILLIAM GENE RANTZ
1425 LOW ROAD KALAMAZOO, MI

(269) 492-2881  

wllmrntz@gmail.com