Bert came to the United States in 1956 from Germany where in 1949 he received his Masters Degree in fine art. Working in various fields of advertising and operating his own ad agency in Detroit for ten years he resettled in Oceana County in 1971.

Here on a 60-acre farm he re-dedicated his life to the fine arts and it's teaching. He quickly became known in the field of fine art and many of his paintings were reproduced as Limited Edition prints.

Bert's paintings deal mostly with nautical subjects: ships, boats, lighthouses, surf, the quiet coves and bays of our Maritime States, the Great Lakes and the high seas. These days he sails his own sailboat, the "Kunterbunt" (German for colorful) and paints the boundaries and the boundless sea ...

Bert's philosophy of art is simple and straightforward. He says: "Art has an important function in society. It's most basic aim stresses aesthetic qualities and true beauty. As exposure to certain activities and qualities influences our feelings, thinking and character, so does art change and color our feelings, attitudes and character. Thus, art has a positive and ennobling effect on society."

In 1980 Bert married Cheri, an artist also, specializing in portraits of children. In 1987 they opened a gallery in the beautiful harbor town of Pentwater on Lake Michigan. They have since then built it into one of the biggest and most beautiful art galleries in Michigan. Those who visit bring their friends and find the most unusual creations as well as the Petri's original paintings and limited edition prints.

Art lovers and collectors will find Bert's creations in homes, government and corporate offices, colleges and museums throughout the U.S. and the world.

Bert says, "I consider myself very lucky and happy to be blessed with such talent and good fortune to be able to do what I love and share my happiness with the whole world."

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