Charley Harper
I received my book “Beguiled by the Wild” today on the art of Charley Harper, the American animal artist and illustrator from Cincinnati, who passed away last year. Thanks to my friend illustrator Rob Dunlavey (www.robd.com), I was introduced to Harper’s art a few months ago and finally I can see it up close! First of all, lots and lots of animals. Secondly, they are all done in a wonderful mix of abstract art and scientific realism. I especially appreciate the use of geometric streamlined shapes, dynamic lines and visual complexity. I can see that there is renewed interest in his work by the number of licensed products that will be coming out. I’ll be putting the 2009 wall calendar on my wish list. You can see plenty of Harper’s images on www.charleyharper.com