Charley Harper's paintings have delighted art and animal lovers for over seventy years. Harper (American, 19222007) came by his love of nature as a child growing up in rural West Virginia, and later developed his unique style while a student at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Art Students League in New York City. He went on to illustrate numerous books and to create works for many conservation organizations, including the National Park Service and the Audubon Society, and magazines such as Ford Times. Through his distinctive use of simple geometric shapes, patterns, and vivid colors, Harper distilled the essence of each bird, bear, or bug into the most important details.