Drew Harrison
Drew Harrison is a practicing artist based in Adelaide, South
Australia. His formal illustrative training has provided a solid
background for his evolution into contemporary artist. Acrylic
paint is Drew's medium of choice and a material that he has adeptly
mastered for creating a wide range of works.
Early projects in the field of illustration included several
publications such as the children's book A Horse and More. An
interest in flight led to a successful period of detailed aviation
painting and regular prizes in the Royal Australian Air Force
Heritage Awards. These works have since become part of the Service's
permanent collection. With an eye for the vast Australian sky,
his observational landscapes of the Adelaide Hills are a continued
exploration of light, shade and vivid hues. Similarly, these traits
are noticeable in Drew's wildlife paintings whereby the very essence
of a subject is often manipulated and twisted to a new level.
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.
Colour, shape, form and texture remain strong hallmarks of his
work, however these elements have recently been coupled with a
unique and often satirical conceptualisation of 21st century living.
In narrative based, expansive series such as Project Icarus, Chasing
American Dreams, and the forthcoming Chaos Theories, darker themes
have been explored using contemplative and realist subject matter
and drawing on influence from pop art. Central to each work is
an examination of humanity although this is often represented
subliminally via mechanical and inanimate objects.
The current foray into military art represents a culmination
of Drew's varied experience across multiple artistic techniques.
On return to the field of fine art he has been able to draw influence
from a pedigree of artists within this specialised area. However,
there remains a characteristically fresh and unique atmosphere
within each painting as well as his meticulous eye for historical
detail and accuracy.
Drew has exhibited in several group exhibitions and his paintings
are represented in private collections. He is also an experienced
art tutor who has gained a reputation for effectively communicating
and demonstrating practical art knowledge for many years.
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