Karl A. Umlauf

Karl Allen Umlauf, a nationally recognized artist, respected educator, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died April 15 at the age of 85.

Raised in Austin and son of Charles and Angie Umlauf, Umlauf developed an early love for the visual arts — a passion he would pursue throughout his life with determination and profound talent. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1961, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Cornell University in 1963.

Over the course of his career, Umlauf became known for his powerful abstract work, with pieces held in more than 40 museums and public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Kimbell Art Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art. In 2012, he was named Texas State Visual Artist by the Texas Commission on the Arts, a fitting recognition of his lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Texas and beyond.

In addition to his work as an artist, Umlauf was a gifted educator. He was professor of art at Texas A&M Commerce for over 20 years and artist-in-residence at Baylor University from 1989 until his retirement in 2015, mentoring generations of students and inspiring them to refine their craft and pursue creativity with integrity and courage.

Above all, Umlauf was a devoted family man. He shared more than 65 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Shirley Umlauf, with whom he built a life rooted in love, respect and unwavering support. Karl Umlauf will be remembered not only for his artistic contributions but for the humility, kindness and courageous strength that defined him.