“Twowls”

Charley Harper (1922-2007) is perhaps best known for his depiction of animals in the self-described “minimal realism” style, in which the essence of a subject was captured in the simplest manner possible. The elegant simplicity of his art appeals to wide audience and applications–ranging from art-for-art’s-sake to illustrations for children’s books, and even posters for national parks.

Charley Harper once stated that if he had not become an artist he would have been a conservationist. He has been described as the 20th Century’s Audubon. Formally trained as an artist, graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College and the Cincinnati Art Academy, Harper infuses his art with humor and felt that was the easiest way to get viewers to change their mind or see things from another angle–especially when it came to matters of conservation.

A playful ode to the winter camouflage of snowy owls, Charley Harper produced “Twowls” in 1979, which depicts a pair of staggered snowy owls which visually appear as a partially-merged owl. Harper plays this trick with the title as well, merging “two owls” into a single-word title. This image has been graphically quite successful and has been reproduced on wrapping paper, ornaments, mugs, fabric, and even needlepoint patterns. The Charley Harper Studio is still selling framed unsigned lithographs of this image due to their popularity. This particular piece is from the original printing and has been hand signed by Charley Harper (in addition to the signature included in the image), with an additional inscription “To Bobby” in pencil.

Signed original Charley Harper prints go for hundreds to thousands of dollars due to their graphic appeal and limited supply. Makes a great gift, especially for inspiring the budding naturalist in your life.

Title:

“Twowls”

Material:

Lithograph on paper

Framed

Edition:

1979

Open edition

Signed in image and in pencil

Inscribed “To Bobby” in pencil by artist

Price:

$750

Inquire for purchase: NWFineArtPrints@gmail.com