Derek Harrison shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Derek, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Early morning sunlight and outdoor walk to start the day. Healthy breakfast, then into the days work. Emails, phone calls and all of the “non-creative stuff” that needs to be done but is far from fun. Once that is done if there’s time, getting started on whatever I’m currently painting and/or preparing to paint something. So, stretching canvas, doing drawings, studies, etc. Then to the gym to workout, post workout meal and finally onto the best part of the day…painting! Now that the less exciting work is done, endorphins are flowing and I’m well fed I can completely immerse myself in my work. I’ll paint for 4-5 hrs straight, it’s the best part of the day. Then a nice dinner break, clean brushes, take another walk and head to bed to do it all over again the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a realist painter, a fine artist/oil painter with a present focus on western/ranch life inspired work. I am primarily self-taught, although I took several workshops and classes here and there with an emphasis on drawing and painting from life. I would consider myself to be “classically trained” in a “non-classical manner.” I am fortunate in that I am free to explore and paint any subject matter I am interested in. This has evolved over the years from contemporary realism focused on figurative art to more western genre scenes. Although the two are quite similar in my view. It’s always been about telling interesting stories and/or expressing certain emotions within an oil painting in a skillful manner.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
This past year I became very close with someone I met through painting. A person who initially modeled for me. She was one of the most inspiring people I had ever met. I was in the midst of painting western scenes and she lived on a ranch where she grew up. This brought me further into this world and led to several unique and personal paintings. It was a life changing experience. She opened my eyes and mind in ways no-one had ever done before. It was challenging and beautiful at the same time. She showed me so much and extracted so much from me that I couldn’t help but re-evaluate how I saw myself. There were growing pains but the result of this experience was incredibly beneficial. I am very grateful to have met this person.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t think I’ll ever give up nor would I ever entertain that thought on a serious level. But, there have been many times when the going got extremely tough. Too many set-backs to name and the thought of giving up has crossed my mind. As soon as those thoughts creep in, I dial back my thought process. Instead of thinking about the week, month, year and future. I only focus on the day. How can I be the best I can be today, that’s it. Work hard, stay focused, do good, etc. today. After a while circumstances change and the commitment to this mentally will pay off. If you love something enough, you will never give up on it. I guess the challenge is to find something you love that much. Because if you do, giving up will simply never be an option.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
As far as I’m aware, it is. I am who I am. I never want to portray a version of myself that is not authentic. The only thing that the public doesn’t see and probably isn’t aware of is the rollercoaster beneath the shining surface. Nothing is ever as it appears. For every successful painting, there are 5 that failed. For every positive achievement seen by the pubic there are 10 tries that failed miserably.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Discipline is the key to freedom. It is the simple, small and consistent habits that build your life. Know where you want to go, design a way to get there and stick to it. This is much more difficult than most people realize. Consistent discipline separates those who succeed from those who don’t.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://derekharrisonart.com
- Instagram: @derekharrisonart
- Twitter: @DHarrisonArt
- Facebook: Derek Harrison
- Youtube: Derek Harrison Art
Image Credits
Head shot/Portrait of myself shot by: Ingrid Bostrom
Photo of my in studio shot by: Fritz Olenberger
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
