A Life in Portraiture
Born in Edmonton, Canada, Harley Brown is a painter and illustrator who has spent much of his life capturing the essence of his subjects. His artistic journey began in Moose Jaw, inspired by his father, a passionate hobbyist painter. After attending high school, Brown worked in window display design before pursuing formal training at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. His education continued in England, where he attended the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts at the University of the Arts London. Though he was once dismissed from art school, he remained dedicated to his goal of earning a living through his art. He eventually found his home in Tucson, Arizona, where he lives with his wife, Carol.
Artistic Focus and Recognition
Brown is particularly recognized for his portraits of North American Indians, or First Nations people. His interest in this subject began in the 1950s, inspired by a group of North American Indians living on his street, whose facial characteristics and dramatic features became central artistic motifs for him. Beyond these portraits, his work includes depictions of cowboys and notable figures from politics and entertainment, such as Winston Churchill and Christopher Lee.
His professional achievements include:
Throughout his career, Brown has traveled extensively through America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Russia, and Mexico, conducting painting classes worldwide between 1980 and 1999.
