He has been a member of the National Academy of Western Art since 1977 and has acquired numerous awards in a number of national art events.
Eager to share his knowledge, Harley Brown has conducted hundreds of invariably sold-out workshops and demonstrations in the US and abroad. He has illustrated many magazine covers and authored numerous articles on art techniques, as well as his best selling books, “Confessions of a Starving Artist”, “Harley Brown’s Eternal Truth for Every Artist” and “Harley Brown’s Inspiration for Every Artist”.
His regular column and insightful Bon mots can be seen in International Artist magazine.
Harley Brown is a Canadian painter best known for his depictions of Native Americans in traditional dress. Painting in a realistic style with loose brushwork, Brown manages to maintain a strong attention to detail with the ability to capture the likeness of his subjects with a lively and colorful palette.
Born in 1939 in Edmonton, Canada, Brown went on to study at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary followed by the Camberwell School of Art in England. After returning to his home country, the artist met Bob Morgan, the curator of the Montana State Historical Society, where he subsequently had a solo show.
Brown is a member of the Northwest Rendezvous Artists, the National Association of Watercolor Artists, the Oil Painters of America, and the Cowboy Artists of America. He lives and works in Tucson, AZ.
Harley Brown is a man of many faces.
He is Canadian. He has a Russian alter ego. He was an English expatriate. But above all else, he is an artist.
He is an artist of magazine illustrations and an artist of words inside three best-selling books. However, he is mostly known for being an artist of portraits that capture the faces of American Indians.
Inspired by bands of American Indians who lived down his street in his native Saskatchewan, a prairie province in Canada, Brown found “such interesting faces with their cheekbones, and some of the older guys with the extremely dramatic faces that they have with the noses and the lips.”
Finding their history “such a great mystery that we still have as part of our culture,” he says he was eventually drawn to the powerful aura of Sitting Bull, the Lakota Sioux holy man who had led his band to exile in Saskatchewan in 1877. Brown gained notoriety when his portrait of Sitting Bull set a record for the artist in 2008 when it sold at the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction for a $30,000 bid, twice its estimation.
Like most artists, though, it took years of dedication, sketching and begging before Brown found success in the Western art world.
“They kicked me out of art school,” Brown admits. “At that point, I said to myself, as I was standing outside the school, crying, ‘Well, I’m not going to work for a living…. If I do make money, or I don’t make money, I’m going to do art. And nothing else.”
With a pocketful of dimes and living on a gas station credit card in Helena, Montana, he peddled his art at restaurants, galleries and frame shops, but no one seemed interested in his work.
“In the last moment I went to the State Historical Society, which is a big deal,” Brown says. “I thought, ‘I got nothing to lose,’ went in there and showed my work to the curator.”
He walked out with an offer to be the first living artist shown at the institution in a one-man exhibit. His work sold out.
For the July’s centennial celebration of the Calgary Stampede, Brown has earned the prestige of creating an original drawing for the event’s poster. He painted it to connect the history of the stampede to today’s younger generation.
Looking ahead to the future, when people come across his art, it’s not his face that he wants remembered.
“I hope they see, number one, the person,” Brown says. “That’s what it’s about. I want them to see who I’m painting. That person, that individual, the life in that person brought to life.”
JAMES DEAN pastel by Harley Brown To this day, I've not been able to understand the "James Dean" persona. What subtle areas of character did he have that brings him to us well into the 21st Century? 22nd Century..... no doubt. I put my art technique into this piece and still kept close to his very unique features and way of expression. A steady/concerned look contrasted with free, tussled hair. His warm individuality against the cool background abstract shaping. A light blue touching his profile features. Head turned dramatically. Yes, this work has James Dean in aura and art. - Harley Pastel portrait of James Dean by Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. Here I have accentuated the human profile with the use of a strong light from the side. Highly dramatic. It is one approach from an endless variety in the world of portraiture. -Harley A Grand Chief- original Pastel by Harley Brown #pastel #cowboyartistsofamerica #harleybrown #art
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. This portrayal shows pure love and strength perfectly combined. The innocent child under mother’s care; a feeling that inspired me while developing this work. The angles of fur, feathers, and background shapes. Ah, yes, warm colours. But look how I slipped in bits of cool. Here: more warm, less cool. Mother and child are relatively motionless, but there’s movement in the overall “abstract” shapes. I held close to nature with the facial features. I respect Mother Nature. Harley Mother and Child Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #internationalartistmagazine #art #pastel #cowboyartistsofamerica #westernart #southwestart
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. This young girl with flowers came at a perfect moment. Her face calm with wandering thoughts. Casual hands holding flowers, fingers hidden amongst leaves. Scarf folds helping make me continually thankful that I chose art as my life. Yes those folds, along with several million other bits and pieces of a world that captures my eyes. The stabilizing horizontal of the scarf works with the visual movement of the flowers' angle and opposing angle of the abstract background. The colors are generally warm with that touch of contrasting cool. Please take time to look at the strokes and dabs throughout. You will see how I was enraptured bringing this work together. Most important is the life within this girl. When this pastel is seen a hundred years from now, she will be there, still young and a genuine, eternal part of our world. Here, experienced through my art. -Harley #harleybrown #art #pastel
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. TAKEN TO THE EXTREME Let's say William Shakespeare was invited to a party and spent most of his time in a corner, drinking tea and maybe talking about the weather. Here's my purpose: he's earned the right to do and say anything he wants. We'll add Lincoln, Plato, Garbo. There are people who needn't try and prove they are important. Their lives have been completely indulged in creative and passionate journeys of mind, body and spirit. When I was just starting out in life, I had to take center stage and prove to people there was something to me. Hey, notice me, over here. As time rattled on, I got tired of myself and my antics. All this makes me wonder something that would be most interesting. What would it be like to have a Saturday afternoon chat in the garden with William Shakespeare himself? I'm thinking that if I was given some wishes by my Angel, that would be one of them. I'll give you a full report. Harley Pioneer pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #artist #art #pastel #canadianartist #cowboyartistsofamerica #internationalartistmagazine #southwestart
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. THE MAGIC OF ART CAN HAPPEN When we work hard at something we love, it often pays off. In art, the harder we work towards our approach and technique the more we gradually get the confidence of laying down strokes and knowing they're right. I look at some of the work I've done in the past, works that I can barely remember. I objectively see strokes that look brazenly beautiful. They're laid in without hesitation, no questioning. When I did them they were right. Harley's "right." There comes a time, when confidence is earned, when there's little doubt, no pondering no hesitations. Think of driving a car in heavy traffic. We know we'll get through it: eyes on road, hands on steering wheel, foot on gas and breaks. All working together with a complexity that's almost unimaginable. There.....got through. Done! Many of us DRIVE all the time. What about DRAWING all the time? That's what I did. That's what my art acquaintances have done. An obsession. Something we must understand. -Harley Original Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #art #artist #pastel #canadianartist #music #arts #pasteldrawing
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. THIS PORTRAYAL OF JESUS HAD A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PREPARATION. MOSTLY, IT HAPPENED NATURALLY FROM ONE MOMENT TO THE NEXT. FROM THE FOLDS IN THE ROBE AND THE SHAWL, TO THE TURN OF HIS HEAD AND EYES. THE BACKGROUND, AS IS OFTEN WITH MY ART, CAME SPONTANEOUS. FINALLY MY HAND SUDDENLY STOPPED AS IF YES, COMPLETE. COMPLETE FOR NOW. -Harley Jesus Pastel by artist Harley Brown #harleybrown #pastel #art #artist #portrait #cowboyartistsofamerica #internationalartistmagazine #canadianartist
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
JEAN-LUC original pastel by Harley Brown Here he is. Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of Starship USS Enterprise. As played by Sir Patrick Stewart. I'll not say anything here other than what a pleasure to portray this distinguished Captain. Okay, I will mention one thing: you'll see that his face is lit by three separate lights: two glancing on each side of his face plus one lighting the front area. -Harley JEAN-LUC original pastel by Harley Brown
ELIZABETH FIRST I won't say she has the most ideal, most perfect face. Reason: I don't really know what a perfect face is. Like what is the perfect Piano Concerto? Novel? Painting? I will say this: the features of her face are put together in a way that an artist doing her portrait, better get things right. (I have that same challenge portraying a child.) I'll add here that her face is indeed memorable. That word memorable is more complex than at first realized. Yoda's face is memorable. Greta Garbo. Lon Chaney. The "memorable" part of the face has fascinated me for most of my life. Those micro/macro differences that separate us billions of humans. Let's compare Liz' fine tuned face vs an old gaffer like me. With me, we're not talking Hope Diamond territory, we're talking the pure fun of playing the features for all they're worth. My nose alone is a trip. With Liz, I thoroughly enjoyed doing this portrait. She looks at us in her natural, friendly way. At the same time, she gets the situation; after all, she's been gazed at most of her life. Eyebrows and hair ideally surround her famous violet eyes. Her lips, holding many secrets, remain pleasant silent but ready to let us know what she's thinking. Three or four well chosen words would be all she'd need. Oh, yes, we're most fortunate to have these few moments that Elizabeth Taylor has graciously allowed us. So now I'll go back to my common life and she will immediately disappear into that fog of fame. We might see her again, but oh very this moment will be so remembered by us. Right dear reader? Harley Pastel portrait of Elizabeth Taylor by Harley Brown Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. YouTube tutorial video is up for my finished portrait “CHILD OF CHEYENNE” on my channel “Harley Brown Artist”- please subscribe, more to come! Original Pastel by Harley Brown #internationalartistmagazine #harleybrownworkshop #pastelworkshop #artclass #cowboyartistsofamerica
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. ELVIS Something special about living my many years is that I’ve witnessed and lived through a lot of cultural history. Music, Art, Film, Dance, Written Word. One great example is a magic moment I fully recall from my teen years back in the 1950s. One evening, I was glancing over at our black-and-white TV. All the family chatting and casually enjoying the Dorsey Brothers’ TV music show. Then the announcer introduced the next act: “......and we’d like you to meet him now: Elvis Presley!” We were watching, not expecting anything special. All of a sudden, onto the TV stage steps this fellow with guitar. He started singing “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” I actually stood up with eyes popping. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing. I yelled out, “What is this? Who is this guy?” The audience went wild. I went wild. My parents sat there wondering.....”okay, what’s happening here?” Well, that was my introduction to Elvis Presley. Such was a powerful moment. Next day at school, it’s all we could talk about. So, starting that night, Elvis became a major, indelible person in music history. Oh yes, everyone my age remembers precisely when Elvis entered their lives. And here he is as interpreted by my humble self -Harley- ELVIS PRESLEY #harleybrown #elvis #dorseybrothers #portrait #pastel #pastelportrait #elvispresley
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. This young woman radiates pure, natural ease of mind and body. Yes, she’s in solitude, in her own world. We’re not there with her; she exists in our imagination. A place where we artists can dwell. Ah yes, those strong blue beads! Her head and shoulders with warm hues contrasted against the light cool background. Again the abstract shaping of “subject” and “background.” Design. Extra, extra care and fussing with her memorable features. Again Mother Nature insists that there areas of life we must fully respect. Please come back and look at her again in one day. Experience what happens as you again peer into her world. You’ll know. Harley “A Pure Moment” pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #pastelart #CAA #artcollectors #art #contemporaryart #artgallery #artist #painting #artwork #artlovers #fineart #modernart #artcollector #paintings #artforsale #gallery
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. In this portrayal, Frank Sinatra is in a relaxed, thoughtful moment; an interesting contrast is the explosion of colour in the background. That extra area towards the right also gives him “room to reflect“. The overall hue is quite warm with a smaller touch of blue near the top. I don’t like a work of art to be equally warm and cool; it can have two temperatures but always more of one. Consider: a French Impressionist painting of cools and in green trees, fields, blue sky and water. Then a small red barn set with in that landscape. Music of today has little similarity with music 70 years ago. But Frank has defied that grind of cultural time. Back in the 1940s- 50s there was a unique style of melodies and words. Sinatra’s singing personified it as much as any performer from that era and is as popular today as ever. He has an indelible magic, much like the classic paintings, films and novels the world never tires of. It’s easy to dig into the computer and pull out a Sinatra song. Do it and you’ll understand why his music is loved. His rhythm and pacing and personal nuances. Most important, he reaches out and means every word. Yes, and Rembrandt and Degas meant every stroke. All of this will continue to be discussed even in the year 2200. Wait and see -Harley Pastel of Frank Sinatra by Harley Brown #harleybrown #pastel #art #franksinatra
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. JAMES DEAN and ART TALK James Dean was an actor from mid twentieth century. He was famous as much for his iconic character as his acting abilities. He was known for three films. Particularly REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. I do recall back in my art college days, he was often a topic of conversation. Why do some people, like James Dean, stand out amongst millions? No one has given me a good answer and I think that itself is part of the answer. ===Here we see him in a typical casual "pose." Good start. ===Large dark and medium value areas. Dramatic small white area with shirt. That small area attracts the eye. A touch more with rope. ===Colours mostly warm. Small jeans area is cool. In a painting, cool and warm areas should not be equal. Think of a French Impressionist painting with lots of cools in sky, landscape areas then red barn. ===Design of background and foreground important in giving the entire piece a semi-dynamic aura. ===Light at foot area to show standing position with floor plus shadow. ===Shadow with hair, vest and hat, lost edges with background. NB. ===No "guessing" when forming facial features and folds in shirt and jeans, etc. Any "guessing" sticks out. Can ruin entire piece. -Harley Brown- “James Dean, Giant” Pastel by Harley Brown James Dean #harleybrown #pastel #jamesdean #jamesdeanart #cowboyart #internationalartistmagazine #giant
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. THE ANNULMENT When I saw my first Toulouse Lautrec painting, I was very young and it immediately held on to me, wouldn't let go. When I saw my first Pablo Picasso in my late teens, I was confused but was soon told why I should admire it. That took a little longer during those searching years. Finally, the knowledgable ones convinced me why I needed to be devoted to Pablo. I fell in line. (At the same time, I began to have glorious, visual affairs with many "serious" contemporary artists that followed.) Then, years later I woke up one morning and wondered, hey, just a minute, "What was I thinking.....allowing others to think for me?!" It was an artistic marriage of convenience. Something that today, here and now I'm admitting. Thus, I'm writing this letter of Aesthetic Annulment: Dear Pablo, After these years of my betrothal to your works, I'm sorry to say farewell to you and what you meant to me in my past. I'll now admit it seems you haven't meant all that much to me other than during my early "intellectual years." At that time, I was pompously able to make my "non-believer" friends feel ignorant and uninformed as they dismissed you. Oh yes, I had the well honed art-words down pat in putting people in their common place. Since then, I've had an awakening of sorts. Meaning, I don't understand your art and actually never have. So Pablo, this is goodbye to you; at the same time knowing you'll remain with your many followers. You shan't be alone and these few words will not diminish your standing in the art world...not one bit. You are and shall remain a giant for the years ahead. Our times together were rather innocent and in some ways fun. But now, my friend, it is goodbye. All my very best to you and yours, Harley PS: I might explain my change of heart. A historic moment for me. Self Portrait of Harley Brown- pastel #harleybrown #pastelartist #selfportrait #art #pastel
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. TUCON GECKO 1=== Everything on Earth is worth at least considering to immortalize in a painting. This fellow ran into the house one day and I took a photo of him. The image inspired me immediately; couldn't wait to put him on paper with pastel. (He stood motionless, then was gone in seconds.) 2=== I wanted him off center, near the top, room to look and move down. Subjects don't need to be centered in a painting. 3=== Background tones work with the design as well as gecko's markings and shadows. 4=== See the red? Looks good. Same with blue. But I didn't overdo. Like a woman looks perfect with one pair of lips. 5=== Gecko totally motionless here. Yet curve and angles give him real "artistic movement." 6=== Ah, yes and then there are the "lost edges." As important as learning verbs and adjectives in writing. Dark gecko markings flow right into shadow areas and background. Our eyes don't need edges to everything. We've known that since childhood. This must be understood. 7=== I've had that art-piece for 25 years. Seen it every day and never tire of it. Why? Because 25 years ago, that Harley nailed it! I see my artistic passion mixed with "accuracy." Result.....art! 8===I give a thumbs up to gecko; he gets some credit and had a great part in how this piece came about: markings, curved position. There: Artist. Subject. Create. I want you, dear reader to take this seriously. Each part of my understanding art was handed to me over the years. I think you deserves to join me as we take our artistic journey with no end in sight. My latest article in International Artist Magazine is out. Pick it up, I’d love to read your input...Harley “Gecko” Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #art #internationalartistmagazine #pastel #cowboyartistsofamerica
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. CHILD OF OAXACA Here is a child I well remember, painted many years ago. It was during a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. A number of us artists decided to rent a place and stay there for a few months. I recall her at the town center "Zocalo" with her family. We'd be there, painting the people and surroundings. She always wandered over to see what we were doing. Often with members of her family for me to draw. One day, I decided, yes, I must paint her. At first, I did a few quick sketches of her face. Every time I glanced at her, she was reflecting the moment: sometimes quiet, often filled with life. Here's the one where she was more than interested when an artist friend was setting up his easel next to me. Her look was hushed but curious. I quickly took a photo knowing this moment would be fleeting. Now you can see the pastel painting I did. One that takes me back in time; a time that will remain forever with her watching a particular world around her. The dark, abstract background shapes cause a good number of lost edges with shadows of her arms and legs. Folds of her dress add a "movement" helped so much by her angled arms. The hands are kept totally natural with a lot of fussing to make her fingers just right without being overworked. Her searching eyes are the center of interest. And really make this work memorable in my mind. -Harley “Child Of Oaxaca” Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #art #pastel #cowboyartistsofamerica #southwestart #internationalartistmagazine
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
DRUM Original Pastel by Harley Brown Here is a work that was a mystery when I did it and remains one. Sometimes we go through elusive moments when we do an artwork and feel it emerging somewhat on its own. This particular woman is free from outside influences; raising her own spirit in a very personal way. She's alone and wants to remain there without interference. I did paint it; she allowed it and then we peacefully parted. After these many years, what and who I paint can sometimes just happen. The right person at the right time. And often, I joyfully leave it up to my subject with what to wear and what to do. I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed. It all comes naturally with my subject and myself. Mother Nature at work. Ah, but I do enter the scene creatively. Where I place my easel, the lighting, move an arm slightly, a fold. Slight fussing. Background, foreground built upon my shapes and colors. Yes, you will see Harley come through on canvas or paper. It's like a correspondant, thrown into a particular circumstance and wanting to write about it. It can be normal or bizarre. How he sees and brings it to life is where he thrives, and takes the reader with him. -Harley
Painting By Artist Harley Brown QUESTION TIME Some people have asked questions of me; I thought I'd break away and have the fun of answering just a few. One way is here, like we're together and you're shouted out the queries: ===== So was art everything to you? Where there other interests? Yes, I did have another major interest and that was music. Specifically the piano. I got right into it from age 7. By the time I was 12, I was playing Beethoven and Chopin. There was a time, I wanted to be a concert pianist. In the late teens, that went away and art took full control of me. (I kept playing piano, but just for the fun of it.) ===== In art, did you make money right away? Have another job? Right from the start the day after art college, I got a peddler's license and sold my art door to door. I also played piano nightly in a brothel. Did portraits in bars and fairgrounds. Onward I went. ===== Have you done portraits of celebrities. People of importance? Well, I actually look at everyone as important in their own unique way. Still, I did Clint Eastwood's portrait for a magazine cover. Same with Bettie Page and Sophia Loren. Steve McQueen, Hugh Hefner, many others. President Ronald Reagan for his second inauguration. I'm not tooting my horn here. There are artists who have done many more famous people than me. I'm mentioning this because my life as an artist has gone around many turns. ===== What else has interested you. Art and music we know. Actually, I love to write. I've written four books. One of these books is about my interesting life. In fact, there was a movie studio wanting to perhaps do a film about my world. They read my book plus extra details of my history and they said, "Sorry Mr Brown, your life has been much too bizarre; no one would believe it." Their very words. ===== Anything more you'd like to talk about? That's easy, I'll let my thoughts and ideas flow as time carries on here. There are many, many other things that have happened with me. I'll talk about them in time. I will add that I happy writing about those historic moments than live them, especially at this time of my life. Ah, the memories that I pass on to my young relatives and friends. Friends like those of you who want to put up with them. Am I eccentric? Well, I've said this before but it does bear repeating. I owned 3,000 books that I recently let go. How many of them did I read? Two. And the two that I read did not include any of the four books I authored. Yes, I wrote them, sent in the manuscripts and images, and never read the books after they were published. There we are. Harley Pastel Portrait of Clint Eastwood by Harley Brown #clinteastwood Clint Eastwood Fans
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm now going to show you a work of mine that is unlike the others here. What's the difference you ask? I'fe brought one of my oil paintings for you to see. ===== You might wonder, "Hey, Harley aren't some of those others on your site oils? They sure look like it." Answer: yes they do look like oil paintings but that's how I do my pastels..... with the same cut and slash as with my oils. In fact, in my career, most of my early art works were oil paintings. Now, most all are pastel. Isn't that something? ===== You can zoom into this piece and see the brush work. One of my great thrills is laying in those strokes, whether oils or pastels. Always, the emotional involvement is there but I also work with accuracy. Mother Nature loves our interpretations of her world, but she says that we must show respect with what she hands us. I followed that dictum with this young girl's face. You see my passioned work combined with Truth in her features. ===== Here are a few parts I want to mention: 1) That angled slash of red cloth coming down behind the right of her face adds movement and drama to the piece. 2) The loosely done necklace is unfinished as is her blouse. This gives her an artistic and natural feel within the white background. The overall design of her portrait works well with that background. 3) Simple, cool touches show the highlight of her hair. 4) Highlights on her face are close but not same value. That's so important. Lights on subjects vary and we must follow those differences in our works. 5) Something else about values: at times, I will make two close values the same if they're in an area where I want a flat feeling. That becomes more clear during our years in art. Please invite your friends, I love every and all interactions with art -Harley Original Oil Portrait by Harley Brown =====#oilpainting #harleybrown #internationalartistmagazine #grumbacher #primedmasonite #oilportrait #cowboyartistsofamerica #artclassroom #portrait #artworkshops
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. YOUNG ONE Portraying a child is like working perfect facets of a diamond. No room for error. None. Except we are all human and not perfect and there’s plenty of me within this portrait. Most important is acute observation. All features where they should be. Again, Adios Pablo. I look and obey what Mother Nature is handing me, still my human nature gets involved. It’s like singing and aria: The original melody is kept, and at the same time, the singers individual passion brings it uniquely and faithfully together. Here you to warm colors throughout the work. Then there’s the purple kerchief. We know the drama of that purple would be nullified if I put more purple within the work. An artist might think “hey, if a little something works, maybe I could put more in more of that ‘something.’” It might work but think twice. As you see, getting the features and proportions right is imperative. Bringing it together with the angles, shapes and tones is so very essential. Color? I found over the years, the more I really concentrated on values, (along with color theories,) the more color became a natural part of my heart. Ain’t art fun? -Harley “Little Girl” Pastel by Harley Brown #art #harleybrown #southwestart #internationalartistmagazine #cowboyartistsofamerica #arttechniques —
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. LOUIS ARMSTRONG As far back as I can remember, Louis Armstrong's trumpet playing was a good part of my music education and enjoyment. At first I thought, hey, that sounds simple, no fancy moments of extravagance. But with my young mind, it worked and meant something; even more so over the following years. Like a masterpieces in art: simple or complex, it's what's put into the piece. Take the ultra-famous first two notes of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. And now, I present this portrait I did of him. He has a look of reflection, maybe some distant thoughts. We all know these moments. Here he is with that horn, caressing it gently knowing soon it is going to take him to the world of music that brings the creators and the listeners to a certain happy ecstasy. Like I say about the giants in all the Arts: they'll be lauded into future centuries. Notice in this work that the largest dark area is next to the largest light area. Colors warm except for that small light blue next too his face. Yes, I love to artistically fuss with the mechanics of life; whether painting a saddle, a vase or the workings of a trumpet. Bottom line: In that strange way of life, Louis Armstrong's music helped me through this work. Thank you Louis. Harley — with Louis Armstrong.
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
KIM NOVAK pastel by Harley Brown Kim Novak has been a memorable, major star of cinema. Once she's seen on screen, her performances cannot be forgotten. A charisma I first witnessed in the film "Picnic." When she appeared in the first scene, we in the audience looked at each other knowing this was a special moment. Back home that night I sat at my piano and learned to play the major melody in that film: "Moonglow." Eventually, I played it for her personally. Kim has always been deeply involved with painting and drawing. I discovered this years later upon meeting her with a gathering of artists. We started a friendship that has kept us joyfully inspired to this day. Kim's early works were wonderfully realized, mainly representational. As years went on, she found herself entering into the surreal realm of creation. Totally personal artpieces often reaching into the observer's subconscious. Over all this time, I've been continually fascinated with her artistic talents and imagination. Many parts of her paintings and drawings have hidden meanings related to the subject; some I might find after many viewings. Over these years, her art has completely mesmerized me. Kim is a very private person yet her inner reflections are often revealed through her art. Every one of her works has endured with me; each an original classic to be seen for generations to come. Our friendship through art and life continues. I ask you dear reader to see Kim Novak's artworks that were shown at The Butler Institute this past summer. You will see them and Kim this Sunday on "CBS NEWS SUNDAY MORNING" with Jane Pauley.-Harley Pastel portrait of Kim Novak by Harley Brown #harleybrown #kimnovak #janepauley #cbsnewssundaymorning
Painting By Artist Harley Brown this particular “lesson” that coincides with this particular portrait of mine, is on my YouTube channel. It is casual, we’re sitting at dining room table talking art. Many real principle of art are in this video. But remember what I say, these are important principles. Then look intently at this posted image. Just an easy going art get together. With real life art basics. Then detailed image of the actual artwork. Please subscribe to Harley Brown Artist on YouTube Your support is truly appreciated:—) Harley
Painting By Artist Harley Brown OH YES, SHE LIVES This might appear as a straight forward portrait of an enigmatic lady. At the same time, there are complexities both obvious and subtle. (While looking at her, try and enlarge the image to see my technique and colors.) ===== She is painted with flat lighting allowing each of her features to be "centers of interest." I did not meticulously copy her face, I interpreted; yet you see more of this lady than me. You also observe where I was enraptured and driven at the same time. She is alive and will remain so as long as that pastel stays on the paper. ===== She is looking at you exclusively. Only you. In her appearance, she seems to be studying your expression. You might think that I'm putting a great deal into what we have here.....I'm not. I'm offering what is true to me and my impassioned soul. ===== While developing this work, time literally stood still and the rest of the world did not exist. I was involved only with portraying this lady. Finally, after my last stroke, she seemed to move back into her own world; I was no longer being the creator. Yet each time I see this portrayal of her, our connection is freshly renewed again and again. ===== Finally, I do a painting for my personal approval and joy. You and I both know during the many years of art, getting raves and brickbats. We finally earn the right for one approval.....our own. As always, feel free to add your own inspiring thoughts with comments, and please invite your friends to join our delightful conversations- cheers and a hive five to us all, Harley Original pastel by Harley Brown — with 1.
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. CLEMENTINE As you can readily see, the finish of Clementine had a lot of fussing. When I paint children, I'm the champ fusser. Young ones haven't earned a driving personality. In general, they have an innocence untouched by the variable "journeys" of a waiting world. Here, Clementine's features are framed by beadwork and feather. All together appearing quite naturally. What helps are the angles giving movement throughout including the abstract shaping in the background. Color most important with warm colors offset slightly by the cool at the top. I'll mention "movement" In her "pose:" Her shoulders, (in this case,) turned towards us; her head turned to her left and her eyes turned slightly more. This can give a bit of drama to a portrayal. Ahh yes. The Art World does love drama. Harley “Clemetine” Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #art #artist #pastel #pastelartist #westernart #cowboyartistsofamerica #southwest #southwestart #canadianartist #internationalartistmagazine
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. The important thing about this piece is the design. Imagine her against a nothing background. Too many artists don’t consider design of their works. This woman had an ‘eternal’ look. Almost mystical. In fact when I see my portrayal, it’s proof I was with her. She was quiet and seemed very reflective; as if her mind was searching something from the past. Heritage. Sound like I’m being poetic here but these words are flowing freely. -Harley “PROUD NATION” Pastel by Harley Brown #art #artist #harleybrown #pastel #southwest #southwestart #western #westernart #cowboyartistsofamamerica #internationalartistmagazine
Painting By Artist Harley Brown “A Private Ceremony” pastel by Harley Brown This is my work from years ago and somehow, it remains mystery. Yes, I remember wanting to portray this young First Nations girl, but I don't recall this particular moment as she stands alone holding this animal skull. My mind does go back in how there were few words between us; she decided where we'd go and what she would do. I followed and watched with the feeling of awe being near her. Now, as I observe this work, I have a sense of completion in bringing her part of the world to us, and in a moving way. It is like her soul is connected directly to the world surrounding her and at the same time allow me this artwork. A moment real for her and one that I've been pondering since seeing it again. As she stands in profile, there is the sense she is oblivious to me. She is naturally in her element and I'm fortunate being there with this magical connection. Yes, I could probably talk about the process I went through with this painting, but I won't. I don't want to make this portrayal other than the etherial moment that it is. As you understand in art, something compelled me and that same inner need wants me to leave it at that. She stands there silently; we can silently observe and wonder. -Harley #harleybrown #internationalartistmagazine #cowboyartistsofamerica #pastelart #southwestart #artofthewest
Painting By Artist Harley Brown YOUNG LADY pastel by Harley Brown This is why I made the right choice at age 7. "I want to be an artist." The very words I told my parents. I wanted to bring life to a simple piece of paper. Something created with a pencil that would be part of my imaginary world. (One of my first drawings was the fire hydrant in front of our house.) ===========================Now we leap forward to today, here with you. The choice made almost 80 years ago brought me to this painting. And yes, to me she lives. ===========================. Oh, how I love to work out complications and keep it as a work of art. Like a complex film or book. There are plenty of areas to keep on top of with her presence and have it an interesting portrayal of her heritage. A perfect example is the angled white and red beadwork. Also the feathers attached to her hair, perfect in helping balance the dramatic design. Imagine without those feathers. Then there's the cool background against warm buckskin dress. =========================== As with many realist works, the overall "abstract design" comes forth when you squint. But now, the part of this painting our eyes go towards is the young lady's face and expression. We will all look at her with slightly different conclusions. Is she ready to leave for a traditional celebration? Perhaps tired after a long day celebrating with family and friends. Is she looking at us with questioning curiosity? You can add several more ideas. ======================= I'm just wondering where this portrayal of her will be in a couple hundred years. Yes, where will she be and what will she be thinking? -Harley Brown- Subscribe to my “Harley Brown YouTube Channel” thank you
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. JULIA ROBERTS When I first saw Julia Roberts in the film PRETTY WOMAN, I went into the daze we moviegoers have every once in a while: "My goodness, who is this lady?" We saw her on screen and couldn't take our eyes off her. But not just because she's beautiful and magnificently talented. She has a true mystery that brings us back again and again. My interpretation here was a series of fussing: with her famed, expressive lips, perfectly "structured" nose and of course her enduring eyes that can profoundly change expression within a moment. And we look and stare at her, wondering just what she'll be thinking next. Ah, but that thought will be totally hidden behind the calm, charismatic look she's giving us here. Important: ===Laying in the hair with real flowing shapes and highlights based on the subtlety of authentic reflection. ===Her facial features are so important that I honored them holding close to their magnetic individuality. No artistic flimflam from me. ===The give and take values of the background, along with it's coolness against the warmth of her hair. -Harley Pastel Portrait of Julia Roberts by Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. WHAT HAPPENS..... Each day, first thing we do when looking at a person is quickly check the face and its expression. Those first few seconds happen hundreds of times throughout a general day. Just imagine the billions of interactions going on with brain cels. Important: after tens of thousands of those moments, our minds become quite clued, knowing. Especially after years of maturing. Let's glance at the man here who's been looking back at us with a certain intensity. He's not going away. Whether we work from life or a photograph, we're totally involved when portraying, He and I are now in a artistic partnership from first pastel stroke on. Certainly, It's interesting to watch art in progress, but here at this moment, I find a joy talking about it. This man, his bearing, his surrounding. (One day, I'd like to describe my first time watching a full figure drawing by a brilliant artist/instructor.) I've confidence with my technique and know it's at the ready. But I joyfully have my eager subconscious strut into the studio and be in full partnership. As I've said many times, yes, I'll often consciously work out composition plans and "fix-ups, etc but there are those wondrous moments when I actually "stand back" and watch my ever passionate inner mind go at it. I say all this because now as I "revisit" this work, all those things come rushing back to mind. From the first fussed areas to those pastel strokes slammed into the background. I see it all actually happening. You all know exactly what I'm describing. The buffalo headdress is a major part of this drama; helped immeasurably by the background shapes. And oh yes, that smaller area of cool colors against the work’s warm hues. That angled bow he holds on the left side is a major part of the overall Story and Design. Ah, did I just say: "Story and Design?" -Harley- Original pastel by Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. This statue is on the edge of New York’s Central Park. An important principle I discovered early is that there’s a work of art waiting around each corner. It’s up to each artist to make that work interesting. Let me add, interesting for the artist involved. -Harley Pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #artist #art #pastel #pastels #centralpark
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. HER WORLD This is an interesting work for several reasons. It's the last time this young lady posed for a painting. She is about to leave and walk into the distance. Incidentally, over all the times, I've portrayed her, I never "posed" her. Everywhere she stood or sat was perfectly natural and visually memorable. SO LET'S LOOK AT THIS PASTEL There is much more than just a portrait here. We have all sorts of parts to discuss. And I will: ===Most important: the over all design. When squinting the eyes, we see interesting shapes. Some of them horizontal, some vertical to show stability. Then we have angular shapes giving the work movement. ===Her hair is a major verticle area that actually works its way into the background behind her head. ===Her arms are at interesting angles. One turned in towards her waist and the other turned out towards a ledge. ===Her arm with hand resting on the ledge has a contrasting background shape/angle just above it. Incidentally her feather is angled the same as that background shape. Angles count in art. Just like action scenes count in drama. Yes, and silent moments amongst words. ===Lost edges: her hair with dark background. Sleeves on left and right with light background. Hand on left into shadow ===Strong red in lower area with a slight red touch on her collar. ===Strong blue attachment to hair. Blue behind upper head. Nice contrast to warmth of her face. And warmth of entire painting. ===Hand resting on ledge, extremely important. Adds much to feeling of the painting; we can almost read into those relaxed but knowing fingers. ===A lot of space on the right; area she's looking towards. ===Most important is her face in profile. She's surely into her own world. And this I always find most compelling with art: She'll be into that marvelous, enigmatic world forever. You are now seeing what people will be seeing with her, two hundred years from now. There is nothing I can add right now. -Harley- ==========================
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. TRADITIONS Through my art career I’ve been strongly influenced portraying Native individuals. And meeting with them was most important. Here, we have the essence of what I’m saying. Squint your eyes and see the abstract shaping throughout this pastel. I always do the shaping of subject and background at same time. As well, I had the joy of color. Color works when you know the tones or values your laying down. Color doesn’t work when someone throws it on just to look like a colorist. As much as I remember the individuals I paint, I remember my developing each work. Harley Original Pastel by Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. I saw the film ‘Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein’ when I was about 12 years old. It was my first horror movie and totally terrified me. For months! I heard strange sounds at night; creepy shadows. Is that someone lurking behind me!? I’m okay now. I think it helped when I was commissioned by Dr Frankenstein to do this portrait of his strange humanoid creation. This creature’s presence in my studio was unnerving to say the least but we did get a certain understanding. He had no sense of humor but went happily wild over the Big Macs I kept bringing him. Finally finished and here for you to witness. -Harley “The Monster” pastel by Harley Brown #harleybrown #pastel
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown
Painting By Artist Harley Brown. James Dean. Art Talk. There are essentially two values bringing out his physical features. Close to that same darkvalue in background. Colors simple. It all is based on getting dramatic design and features right. you can sense him thinking.....pondering. We seek to understand the complexities of art but also at times bring it to the basics. Like some famous melodies in music being just a few brilliantly arranged notes. -Harley “James Dean” Pastel by Harley Brown James Dean #harleybrown #art #jamesdean #arttalk #pastel
