Drew Harrison has been a practicing artist for several years. His illustrative background has been an inspiration in creating Acrylic painted works of unrivalled imagination and diversity. Detailed, technical interpretations or loose expressionism hold no fears for the artist.
An early interest in flight led to a... Read More
Drew Harrison has been a practicing artist for several years. His illustrative background has been an inspiration in creating Acrylic painted works of unrivalled imagination and diversity. Detailed, technical interpretations or loose expressionism hold no fears for the artist.
An early interest in flight led to a successful period of detailed aviation painting. These works received high acclaim and were award winning efforts. However, colour, shape, form and texture have also provided stimulus for his painting. With an eye for the vast Australian sky, his observational landscapes of the Adelaide Hills are an exploration of light, shade and vivid hues. These elements have been interpreted through a combination of loose brush strokes and delicate detail. The same design and technical attributes have also translated to Drew’s wildlife paintings. More predominantly though is the exploration of texture and design.
Even so, all these paintings are merely a window to his broader contemporary abstractions. Once again composition is a strong hallmark of these works. Darker themes have been explored using contemplative subject matter and drawing on influence from pop art. Nonetheless, there is always an underlying cheekiness and sense of wit.
He has found success in all of these fields as either a prize winner or finalist in national competitions. Public acclaim has also been achieved with people’s choice awards and highly commended paintings.
Drew has exhibited in several collaborative exhibitions and his paintings are represented in private collections. He also is an experienced art tutor.
Artist’s Statement
It has never been my intention to paint specifically about one subject or another. For me the process of artistic creation has always evolved. It bends, distorts and fractures with each painting representing an exploration of these ideals. Inspiration is not limited to a single point of reference and is drawn from many areas including nature, history, art, culture and technology.
As a result, my work does not necessarily follow any specific convention of style, technique or theme. However, light, shape and form are paramount and I enjoy manipulating these worldly foundations with zeal. Each piece is therefore best considered as a vignette – a small, acute observation of life and a trigger for varied emotions. Maturing as an artist has helped to focus the seemingly random imaginings far more cohesively.
True to say there are comments about people, politics, religion and existence in the 21st century, however these are left to the viewer to ponder. Central to my work is humour - sometimes obvious, and often much less conspicuous.
My key to communication is Acrylic Paint. It is an honest medium and one which can conform to the most stringent of traditional musings or revel in the greatest heights of an artistic “ism”.
Ultimately the key to each of my creative works is to challenge myself as an artist and provide fascination for the viewer. Whatever the subject to my painting the message is not always obvious and I leave it to each person to draw their own conclusions.
