Discovering the World of Ted Harrison

Who is Ted Harrison? Ted Harrison (1926–2015) was a renowned Canadian artist best known for his vibrant, whimsical depictions of the landscapes and people of the Yukon. Born in England, Harrison moved to the Yukon Territory in the 1960s, where the rugged beauty of the area deeply influenced his artistic style. His work blends his love of nature with a playful, imaginative approach, often reflecting the awe-inspiring vastness of northern Canada. He is fun to teach as the students like hi simplified landscapes especially the whales!

Beyond his paintings, Harrison also illustrated children’s books, including The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service. His work is beloved by art lovers and children alike, who are captivated by his bold use of color and unique interpretation of northern life.

What is Ted Harrison’s Style Like?

Harrison’s art stands out for its simplicity and bold use of bright, unnatural colors. His signature style includes thick, flowing lines that define landscapes and figures in a way that suggests movement and energy. Although much of his work captures the landscapes of the Yukon, his approach is far from realistic. Instead of depicting nature in its true colors, Harrison chose vivid hues that evoke emotion and imagination, often layering soft gradients that flow from one color to another.

While Harrison primarily worked with watercolors, he enhanced his pieces using crayons and markers, adding texture and depth. The layered effect in his works gives his landscapes a sense of dimension and dynamism, making them both accessible and deeply evocative.

Layered Landscape Lesson and National Standards

In teaching a layered landscape lesson inspired by Ted Harrison, students explore his unique style by creating their own vibrant landscapes. This lesson covers several National Core Arts Standards:

• Creating (VA

.2.7a): Students generate artistic ideas, experimenting with color blending, line, and layering to convey their interpretations of landscapes.

• Presenting (VA

.1.7a): Through Harrison-inspired work, students select their artistic interpretations for public display, reflecting on the visual choices they made.

• Responding (VA

.1.7a): Students interpret and analyze Harrison’s work, understanding how he conveys the Yukon’s vast landscapes through his distinct style.

• Connecting (VA

.1.7a): By reflecting on how Harrison’s environment influenced his art, students draw connections between their own environment and artistic expressions.

Ted Harrison's vibrant work and unique style offer a powerful way to introduce students to non-traditional landscapes and the importance of personal interpretation in art. His use of watercolors with enhancements from crayons and markers serves as inspiration for young artists to experiment with mediums and colors to create their own layered masterpieces. Hope this sparks some interest for you to teach. There are several videos of him on Youtube. Check them out.

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