Charley Harper (1922- 2007 ) provides us with a unique view of animals and other aspects of the natural world--not through realistic paintings, but by means of stylized drawings and paintings that capture the essence of his subjects using the fewest elements.
He describes his style as minimal realism. In his art, the parts of the creature or ecological system are all there and are recognizable, but distilled in a manner that enhances our appreciation for their unique combinations of shapes and colors (i.e., less is more). He like to joke that he doesn't count the feathers of the birds he paints, just the wings. His different perspective on the world always includes a little humor and mystery.
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