Karl Allen Umlauf

Karl Allen Umlauf, a nationally recognized artist, respected educator, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his family on April 15th at the age of 85. 

Raised in Austin, Texas, son of Charles and Angie Umlauf, Karl 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, Karl became known for his powerful abstract work, with pieces held in more than 40 museum 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, Karl was a gifted educator. He was professor of Art at Texas A&M Commerce for over 20 years and as Artist-in-Residence at Baylor University from 1989 until his retirement in 2015, mentoring generations of students and inspiring them not only to refine their craft but to pursue creativity with integrity and courage.

 Above all, Karl was a devoted family man. He shared over 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. He is survived by his wife Shirley, their two sons, Stuart Allen Umlauf and Kurt Aaron Umlauf and his wife Andrea Umlauf. He was a proud grandfather to Kurt and Andrea’s two children, Arin and Allison Umlauf, whose lives were deeply enriched by his wisdom, encouragement, and gentle presence. Karl is also survived by brother Arthur Umlauf and wife Mary Grace, and younger sister Madelon Umlauf. Karl will be remembered not only for his artistic contributions but for the humility, kindness, and courageous strength that defined him. A memorial to honor Karl’s life and legacy will be held at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests giving to the Karl and Shirley Umlauf Endowment Scholarship Fund through Baylor University. Memorial gifts may be made at baylor.edu/give or by check, payable to Baylor University and mailed to: Baylor University, Karl and Shirley Umlauf Endowment Scholarship Fund One Bear Place #97050 Waco, TX 76798-7050; Phone: 254-710-2561