Charles Markert was a groundbreaking artist, renowned for his remarkable talent in painting on an unconventional medium: hot air balloons. As far as we know, he is the only artist to have undertaken such an extraordinary artistic endeavor. What makes his work even more remarkable is that the images adorning the balloon envelopes were not pre-transferred or pre-drawn onto the fabric. Each piece was meticulously brought to life directly on the balloon itself.

Working in his restored barn studio, Markert transformed the 90-foot-tall balloon envelopes into towering canvases, draping them over a massive easel. Standing on a hydraulic lift, he began each piece by sketching the image freehand, using a charcoal pencil attached to the end of a fishing pole for reach. Once the design was outlined, he skillfully applied paint using both brushes and spray techniques. Markert even developed a custom paint formula that could withstand the harsh conditions of hot air ballooning, from high altitudes to extreme weather changes.

Markert’s work required exceptional precision, as there was no room for error. Paint mistakes on a balloon’s delicate and expensive envelope were irreparable. His courage and expertise were unmatched, and every stroke of paint reflected his flawless mastery. The true test of his artistry came only when the balloon was inflated for the first time, revealing the full scope and beauty of his work. Remarkably, he worked tirelessly, often around the clock for months, to complete each project with perfection and efficiency.

Though Charles Markert was not a hot air balloon pilot himself, the artistry and passion surrounding his studio inspired his son, Tim, to pursue ballooning. Tim quickly earned his Commercial Pilot’s Certificate at a young age, influenced by the vibrant community of pilots who frequently visited the studio.

Markert’s legacy continues to inspire and captivate. If you have any history or backstories about his painted balloons, sharing them would contribute to preserving the memory of his incredible work and talent.

The Celebration

The Celebration, painted by the renowned artist Charles Markert is a floating masterpiece, a testament to his unparalleled talent and artistic vision. Every square inch of this balloon is adorned with intricate depictions of mythological and classical figures, blending vibrant colors, breathtaking realism, and stunning symbolism to create a visual feast for all who behold it. SEE MORE

LeGrande Carousel

The artistry displayed on this hot air balloon is nothing short of breathtaking. Hand-painted by the extraordinarily talented artist Charles Markert, this masterpiece is a vivid homage to the hand-carved carousels of the early 1900s. SEE MORE

Western Spirit

The artwork on this hot air balloon is a breathtaking tribute to the American West, inspired by the iconic works of Frederic Remington. Charles Markert skillfully brought the rugged beauty and spirit of the Old West to life, painting detailed depictions of cowboys and Indians on horseback against a backdrop of a sweeping western landscape. The imagery radiates motion and authenticity, capturing the essence of frontier life.   SEE MORE

Montgolfier

This stunning replica of the Montgolfier hot air balloon was meticulously hand-painted by Charles Markert to commemorate the 200th anniversary of lighter-than-air flight. This masterpiece captures the intricate details of the original design, down to the finest elements. SEE MORE

Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo hot air balloon features stunning, hand-painted artwork by the talented artist Charles Markert. The design showcases a vibrant and immersive safari theme, with lifelike depictions of African wildlife, including majestic animals such as gorillas, lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. These creatures are set against a lush and detailed backdrop of green grasslands and distant mountains, evoking the beauty of a natural habitat. SEE MORE

Voyager

The hot air balloon named "Voyager," hand-painted by the extraordinary artist Charles Markert, is an awe-inspiring celebration of the cosmos. This balloon, commissioned by a pilot who owned multiple Markert-painted masterpieces, is a testament to the artist’s exceptional skill and ability to bring vast and intricate concepts to life on a spherical canvas. SEE MORE

Papillon

The hot air balloon showcases an exquisite tapestry of butterflies and wildflowers, a testament to Charles Markert's incredible artistry and profound ability to breathe life into his work. Each butterfly, painted freehand, flutters across the fabric with vibrancy and grace, symbolizing both fragility and resilience. SEE MORE

Captain Boo

The images showcase a stunningly hand-painted hot air balloon featuring a bulldog. This intricate artwork was meticulously created by the renowned artist Charles Markert, who demonstrated his exceptional talent by crafting this lifelike depiction based solely on a photograph of the pilot's dog. SEE MORE

Good News

The "Good News" hot air balloon is a soaring masterpiece of artistry and inspiration. Hand-painted by the extraordinarily talented Charles Markert, this balloon features breathtakingly detailed depictions of religious scenes. The art is nothing short of miraculous, capturing the essence of faith and spirituality with vivid strokes and unparalleled precision.   SEE MORE

King Tut

The artwork on this hot air balloons is a stunning showcase of Charles Markert's artistic genius. It features vibrant and intricate depictions of iconic Egyptian figures, painted with exceptional detail and mastery.

On one side the balloon displays an awe-inspiring portrait of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (King Tut), brought to life with dazzling gold accents that shimmer against the black backdrop of the balloon. The precision in the depiction of the pharaoh’s headdress and the expressive details of his face reflect an unparalleled level of artistry. Markert’s ability to capture the grandeur and regality of ancient Egyptian culture is simply breathtaking.

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Carousel

The hot air balloon is a stunning work of art, meticulously hand-painted by the talented Charles Markert. The design is inspired by the charm and whimsy of a classic carousel, vividly brought to life with exquisite attention to detail. The artwork features beautifully rendered carousel horses in motion, adorned with vibrant colors and ornate saddles, evoking the nostalgia and joy of childhood. Each horse is unique, showcasing Markert's incredible ability to blend realism and imagination seamlessly. SEE MORE

Miss Muffit BoPeep

This hot air balloon showcases an extraordinary hand-painted depiction of beloved nursery rhyme characters. One side brings to life "Little Miss Muffet," seated on a tuffet amidst lush greenery, with a spider descending in a playful yet dramatic moment. On the other side, "Little Bo Peep" is elegantly portrayed holding her shepherd's staff, surrounded by a picturesque pastoral landscape filled with flowers and rolling hills.    SEE MORE

Red Baron

This hot air balloon, aptly named "Red Baron," is a testament to the artistic brilliance of Charles Markert, whose meticulous hand-painting brings the design to life. The balloon features a bold red backdrop that serves as the perfect canvas for a striking depiction of a vintage biplane, instantly evoking the imagery of the legendary flying ace, the Red Baron. The vivid yellow propeller adds a sense of motion and dynamism, while the crisp black and white accents on the plane's details and insignia stand out beautifully against the red. SEE MORE

THE PHOENIX

The artwork on "The Phoenix" hot air balloon, hand-painted by the exceptionally talented Charles Markert, is a stunning and vibrant representation of the mythical bird. Rising dramatically from fiery flames, the phoenix is depicted with expansive, symmetrical wings that radiate warmth and power, combining fiery oranges, golds, and reds against the balloon’s deep black background. This stark contrast creates a striking visual impact, making the design appear as if it is glowing from within.    SEE MORE

Big Top

This hot air balloon showcases an extraordinary circus-themed design, brought to life by the immense talent of artist Charles Markert. Each panel is a testament to his masterful skill and creativity, featuring vibrant, hand-painted scenes of circus animals, acrobats, and performers in motion.

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Tedi Bear

One side of the balloon showcases an adorable teddy bear, delightfully depicted as if floating away while clutching a bouquet of red balloons. The bear’s cheerful expression and soft fur texture are rendered with remarkable detail, giving it a lifelike yet playful quality. The balloons are painted with a glossy sheen that creates a three-dimensional effect, making them appear as though they are truly lifting the bear into the air. SEE MORE

Leo the Lop

The hot air balloon features a vivid and charming depiction of Leo the Lop, a beloved storybook character. Masterfully hand-painted by the exceptionally talented artist Charles Markert, the artwork captures the whimsical and endearing spirit of Leo in stunning detail. The balloon showcases two delightful illustrations: Leo lounging contentedly in a grassy field and another where he appears animated and playful, holding a vibrant scarf.

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Freedom

This hot air balloon is a striking visual representation of sobriety, brought to life through the masterful artistry of Charles Markert. The sleek black envelope serves as a dramatic backdrop for the prominent, hand-painted white camel, symbolizing endurance and resilience, accompanied by the number "24," which represents a daily commitment to sobriety. The simplicity and precision of the design speak to Markert's exceptional skill in creating meaningful and impactful artwork on such an unconventional canvas.

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Kosciuszko

(pronounced cuz-CHOOSE-co)

The design on this hot air balloon features an elaborate tribute to Tadeusz Kościuszko, a prominent figure in both Polish and American history. The balloon is adorned with striking red, white, and blue elements, symbolizing the shared ideals of liberty and independence between Poland and the United States. SEE MORE

Golden Grahams

The Golden Grahams hot air balloon is a brilliant display of artistry, showcasing Charles Markert's exceptional talent and precision as a hand-painting master. The bright yellow balloon features the iconic Golden Grahams cereal logo, with a detailed and realistic depiction of the cereal bowl. Each piece of cereal is meticulously painted, with lifelike texture and color, making it instantly recognizable and incredibly impactful as an aerial advertisement. The clarity and vibrancy of Markert's work are awe-inspiring, especially considering the challenging, curved surface of the balloon's envelope. SEE MORE

Tony the Tiger

The Tony the Tiger hot air balloon, the first of many created for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal advertising, is a masterful display of Charles Markert’s artistic talent. This balloon is a larger-than-life, hand-painted representation of the beloved mascot, Tony the Tiger, brought to vibrant life through Markert’s exceptional skill and creativity. SEE MORE

McDonalds

This hot air balloon is a brilliant example of Charles Markert’s extraordinary skill and dedication as an artist. Featuring beloved McDonald’s characters, including Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and Captain Crook, this piece captures the whimsical and colorful spirit of the brand with incredible precision. Each character is vibrantly rendered, their expressions and unique traits perfectly captured on the curved surface of the balloon. SEE MORE

Soft Soap

The Softsoap hot air balloon is a stunning example of corporate advertising elevated by the exceptional talent of artist Charles Markert. The balloon’s design combines bold branding with eye-catching artistry, transforming a marketing message into a captivating visual experience. SEE MORE

Sunny

This vibrant hot air balloon, named Sunny, is a testament to the artistic talent of Charles Markert, who hand-painted its bold and cheerful design. Created to advertise the local Twin Cities radio station KS95-FM, the balloon radiates positivity and energy, much like the station it represents. SEE MORE

Franklin Airship

This extraordinary airship is adorned with hand-painted art by the talented Charles Markert, whose mastery shines in every detail of this patriotic design. The airship features a prominent portrait of Benjamin Franklin, set within a golden frame against the rich blue background of the envelope. SEE MORE

Billy Bob

The hot air balloon advertising Showbiz Pizza, featuring the beloved character Shakes the Bear, is a testament to Charles Markert's extraordinary artistic talent. The design showcases a larger-than-life depiction of Shakes the Bear, painted with meticulous attention to detail, alongside his iconic companion, a cheerful yellow bird. The characters radiate charm and warmth, perfectly capturing the playful spirit of Showbiz Pizza. SEE MORE

Molly & Me

The Molly & Me hot air balloon was designed as an advertisement for a children’s clothing store. It is a beautiful testament to Charles Markert's extraordinary artistic talent. This balloon features a whimsical hand-painted illustration of a cheerful young girl with blonde pigtails holding a Raggedy Ann-style doll. The artistry exudes warmth and nostalgia, perfectly capturing the innocence and joy of childhood.
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