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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.
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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."
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