Gregory Frank Harris Figurative Paintings

Signed lower left, 'Greg Harris' for Gregory Frank Harris (American, born 1953) and dated 1981. Additionally signed, verso, and titled, 'Stea Life in a Pond'. Framed dimensions: 34.5 H x 29.5 W x 2.5 D inches. The study of art and the history of art are closely intertwined in the work of Gregory Frank Harris which reflects his exploration of technique and art history. Born in southern California, Harris and his twin brother grew up in a family that embraced the visual arts as well as theatre and music. During his stint at California State University in Long Beach, he studied both art and theatre, but also began writing music, which then became his primary focus. Over the next decade, Harris and his brother played piano and drums respectively in a variety of bands, earning their living in the nightclubs and hotels up and down the west coast. The first sign of a new direction appeared while the band was on the road in Spokane, Washington where Harris rekindled his interest in painting. Like generations of artists before him, Harris turned to the old masters and the impressionist painters as sources for his study of painting. Harris was fortunate to have two of his copies, Rembrandt’s Woman with Pink and Gainsborough’s Blue Boy, selected as props for the 1982 film version of the musical Annie, directed by John Huston. Harris also began exhibiting at juried shows in 1982 and marketing his work nationally. Juried exhibitions--and awards--followed, including an unprecedented first, second and third place award in the popular vote at the historic Lyme Art...