Charley Harper

Renowned American artist Charley Harper (1922""2007) developed his deep affinity for the natural world early in life. Growing up in rural West Virginia, he spent many hours exploring the local hills, sketchbook in hand, and stopping to draw whatever caught his fancy. After studying at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Art Students League of New York City, he gained acclaim as a commercial illustrator for numerous publications, most notably The Golden Book of Biology and Animal Kingdom,...See more

Renowned American artist Charley Harper (1922""2007) developed his deep affinity for the natural world early in life. Growing up in rural West Virginia, he spent many hours exploring the local hills, sketchbook in hand, and stopping to draw whatever caught his fancy. After studying at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Art Students League of New York City, he gained acclaim as a commercial illustrator for numerous publications, most notably The Golden Book of Biology and Animal Kingdom, children's books published in the 1960s. Describing his elegant, minimalist method of depicting wildlife, Harper once said, "I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced." See less