"Raven Through and Through" by Richard Harris 
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"Raven Through and Through" by Richard Harris
More than a beautifully rendered watercolor; this original painting is a statement by an artist deeply moved by the natural world. Richard Harris's work transcends representation, urging viewers to listen to the 'loud' messages birds convey about our shared planet.
Title: Raven Through and Through
Artist: Richard Harris (British-American)
Medium: Watercolor on Paper
Dimensions:
- Overall: 13" x 15"
- Visible: 6" x 9"
Signature: Signed lower right "R. Harris"
Condition: Good condition, with professional framing and matting.
Framing: This work is sold framed and matted, ready for display.
Artist Biography:
Born in the Chelsea district of London in 1954, Richard Harris's life has been a rich tapestry woven with the threads of art and ornithology. His journey began with a childhood gift—a book about British birds—that sparked a lifelong passion for avian life. By twelve, after moving to a farmhouse surrounded by nature's bounty, Harris's connection with the world around him deepened.
Harris, who refers to himself as a "fanatic ornithologist," approaches his art with the precision of a naturalist but the soul of a poet. His watercolors, while detailed, venture into realms of vibrant and sometimes unexpected color palettes. He sees birds as spiritual messengers and teachers, their behaviors reflecting a deeper understanding of life and existence.
Emigrating to the United States in 1982, Harris established himself in landscape design but always maintained his artistic pursuits. Settling in Las Cruces after his retirement, the desert's unique avifauna rekindled his love for painting, particularly with watercolors, a medium that allows him to capture the fluid essence of his feathered subjects.
Harris's work has been showcased in solo exhibitions like MAS Art in Las Cruces and in group shows across the cultural tapestry of the Southwest, including the Branigan Cultural Center and Café de Mesilla. His artistic achievements have earned him membership in the New Mexico Watercolor Society and a presidential role in the Middletown Art Guild back in Connecticut.
His work is informed by not just aesthetics but an urgent ecological message. Harris speaks of the canary in the coal mine, raising awareness through his art of the drastic decline in bird populations due to human-caused changes in the environment. Through his paintings, Harris calls attention to the interconnectedness of nature and humanity and the crucial balance that must be maintained.