* All images used with permission. Please do not distribute without first contacting the artist.
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 Santa Barbara, CA and eventually landed at his current home and studio in Los Angeles. 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.
Derek describes his work by saying, “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. My hope is to bring the amazing qualities that many years of study and experience has lead me to understand and now express through my work.”
