Meet Marshall Harris | Professional Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marshall Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marshall, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I’m a full-time Professional Artist. That means that I go to my studio like most people go to, or used to go to their office. Making good art is more than a full-time job. Along with being the maker of art you also have to be your marketing department, your products distribution and shipping department, your project production and logistics department, the accounting department, and finally your own department of Human Resources. That’s sometimes the most difficult one because artists are sometimes temperamental.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artwork, well, what I’m recognized for is my very large photo realistic graphite on Mylar drawings. The subject matter ranges from naked people to western saddles, old skulls, and a myriad of other subjects. But all contain extraordinary detail and an underlying visual narrative that is reveals itself as the viewer engages with the works. The subjects that I choose all have some sort of fascinating texture and history that helps tell their story. Most of the works require months to complete. A western saddle drawing require often more than 350 hours to create. What I’ve learned in my process is that it can not be rushed. The works take the time they need to be unique and successful. Some things you can’t rush. Making bread is one of them. Making art is another.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Anytime I travel, which is most often with my Wife, we approach visiting places much as I would show off my city to a friend. I might say we could go and see all of the stuff that everyone sees. But that wouldn’t offer an experience that is truly unique. I like to experience a place I visit as the people who live there do. When we go to Europe, we look to visit as the people who live there do. We look for non-touristy places, restaurants, sights, and scenes that are often not as well known or off the beaten path. Also, we get to see the unique and interesting in ways that are often missed if you just do the touristy stuff.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who are responsible for my success. My parents, my teachers, the people who have hired me in other professions, and the bosses who have fired me. I wouldn’t have figured out what I didn’t want to do if they hadn’t figured it out first. But probably the most deserving of acknowledgment are my patrons and collectors. Without them, my art would be simply a very time-consuming hobby.

Website: www.marshallkharris.com

Instagram: #Marshallkharrisart