Good Things Happen

Harley Brown's fascinating things no one else will tell you

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A conversation about art that I often repeat is that we should never aim for a specific style or approach. I came to understand this in my early years, struggling to improve my work by following the many artists introduced through colleges, museums and books. Their individual approaches lifted my spirits and stayed in my mind, sometimes guiding my own way of expressing myself on canvas and paper.

Much of the art I made then was a mental strain, trying to enter the world of the masters. As with many things in the arts, growth can come through unexpected turns or accidents. One such turning point came when I was commissioned to complete a large number of portraits within a fixed time. They were done from life, day after day, with no breaks from the intensity of the project.

As the days passed, I felt a strange but uplifting strength move through my mind and body. I was suddenly on top of the work, sailing with confidence, fully present in each moment. Everything flowed eagerly and with conviction; myself and my art.

That project marked a major turning point. I needed that growing certainty. Watching the work progress, I saw myself and the joy in what I was creating. I deeply felt a positive strength in simply being me, without hesitation or overthinking. I thoroughly enjoy painting profiles. There is so much emotion and character that can be seen and implied. Yes, my favorite subject: each head of us humans doesn't have a bad angle or lighting or expression or features. Since the age of 7, I've been fascinated with people's faces. Like an endless and inspiring journey, discovering fresh subjects to draw and paint. No two are alike, even though we have our eyes, nose and mouth in the same general area. Bravo to all of us.