Derek Harrison began his artistic journey the moment he could hold a pencil. Growing up in Colorado and eventually moving to southern CA, Harrison was always immersed in nature. This time spent in the mountains, deserts and coastlines of western America is where his love of capturing our world through art began.

Highly inspired by 19th century naturalist painters, Harrison has excelled at both figurative and landscape painting. Following formal training at the Los Angels Academy of Figurative Art, Harrison continued his art education through workshops, seminars and classes with several accomplished artists including Jeremy Lipking, Sean Cheetham and Morgan Weistling.

Harrison's work is a reflection of classical techniques and contemporary realism. He has achieved the ability to create paintings that are visually stimulating and in addition convey narratives in a timeless manner.
He has been featured in Southwest Art magazine as one of their highly regarded "21 under 31" as well as having work published in American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur, and several collective art books and videos.

Derek has worn two first place honors, two years in
a row, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's annual exhibition, "Artists of Distinction
Artwalk."

His works are held in many private and corporate collections including musician Richie Sambora, Disney, Sue Kroll, president of Warner Bros.worldwide marketing and many others. He currently works and resides in Santa Barbara, CA. Harrison is a member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America and the California Art Club.

"It is truly an honor and a pleasure to create works that exist within the universal language of art. A language that knows no boundaries for all to enjoy."