Artist Spotlight: Charley Harper

Charley Harper (August 4, 1922 – June 10, 2007) was born in Frenchton, West Virginia. Though he moved to the city to attend the Art Academy of Cincinnati, growing up on his family’s farm in rural West Virginia influenced Charley Harper’s artwork for his entire life. Harper became a well known Modernist artist, with the majority of his work focused highly stylized portraits of nature. Whether making serigraphs, commissioned posters or book illustrations, Charley Harper’s artwork used bold colors and a rendering only the most important details of his subjects, a style which Harper himself dubbed “minimal realism.” Concerned with issues of environmental protection and conservation, Harper brought fun, humor and playfulness to wildlife art, a movement which was previously defined by the more traditional works of John Audubon.

While attending art school, Charley Harper met fellow artist Edie Mckee, and the two were married in 1947. Charley and Edie Harper spent their lives teaching and working on their artwork out of their Cincinnati home, where they later created Harper Studios with their son. Beyond creating his beloved nature-themed prints, Charley Harper also illustrated numerous books and magazines, and produced commissioned works for nature-based organizations, such as the National Park Service, the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Nature Center.

Charley Harper died on June 10, 2007, but his artwork continues to be sought after by art collectors around the world. His bold Modernist wildlife art has even been translated into calendars, children’s books, linens, clothing and more. Check back often, as we consistently feature rare, signed and framed Charley Harper serigraphs in our online art auctions.

Selling Charley Harper Artwork?

Remember, EBTH isn’t just the premier online marketplace for Charley Harper art, we are also the best place to sell your Charley Harper works. Signed Charley Harper serigraphs have sold in our online art auctions for thousands of dollars. We have a dedicated bidder base of art enthusiasts and Charley Harper collectors who are always wiling to pay top dollar for a rare piece by Charley Harper – with a special focus on signed and limited edition artwork.

If you have Charley Harper artwork that you are interested in selling, please contact EBTH today.