Born 1983, Derek Harrison began pursuing art since he was able to hold a pencil. It all began as an innocent journey of exploration and the excitement that came with applying a vision to a piece of paper. In later years Derek was consistently dabbling in art, always drawing, painting, etc...Initially the inspiration from graffiti played a large role in the type of art he was doing. Following years of experimentation with spray paint and eventually transitioning to canvas, Derek landed a tattoo apprenticeship with Colorado artist Brad Cramer. The formative years were spent drawing every minute of the day into tattooing full time for the next several years. In 2009 Derek made the move to Southern California, working in both Los Angeles and landing at his current home and studio in Santa Barbara. Derek's work has become one that combines aspects of the old masters and the admiration for artists such as John Singer Sargent and William Adolf Bouguereau with contemporary subjects and settings.

After spending six years working as a tattoo artist in addition to painting, Derek made the transition to working full time as a fine artist in 2011. Fine art became his true calling and he quickly rose to be one of the most exciting contemporary realist painters today. His work is figurative in nature and portrays the world in which he lives and the people whom inhabit it. "My aim is to convey the inspiration and beauty in the subjects and settings I paint. Art has the amazing capacity to connect with all people." He has shown in numerous gallery exhibitions worldwide, has had his work feautured in several magazines and books and has won awards for his portrait and figurative pieces. He says, "My hope is to bring the amazing qualities that many years of study and experience have lead me to understand and appreciate. I strive to express this through my work and create pieces that are moving, thought provoking and inspiring."