Charley Harper was a wildlife artist from West Virginia who gained fame in the 1950s for his illustrations in books and magazines. He developed a minimalist style that captured the essence of animals with few visual elements. Over his 60-year career, Harper produced over 100 prints and illustrated many books and posters for conservation organizations. He was renowned for his simplified yet evocative representations of nature.

1. The Art of Charley Harper

2. Cincinnati wildlife artist Charley Harper passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2007 . Charley was born in West Virginia in 1922 . He graduated from, and taught art at, the Art Academy of Cincinnati where he met wife, Edie, also an artist . The two married in 1947 after graduating . In the 1950's Harper gained acclaim as a commercial illustrator with " The Golden Book of Biology " and " Betty Crocker’s Dinner for Two cookbook ." Over the ensuing two decades he contributed to the Ford Motor Company's magazine, Ford Times . The response to this work was so positive, it led to his silkscreen print business reproducing those images . Charley's paintings have appeared in nature - oriented magazines and on posters for many conservation - minded organizations, among them the National Park Service, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Nature Center, Hamilton County ( Ohio ) Park District, the Michigan Audubon Society, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania . Besides " The Golden Book of Biology " he has illustrated " The Animal Kingdom " , Birds & Words " ; and " Beguiled by the Wild; The Art of Charley Harper ." Charley has designed over 50 " bio " posters for non - profit conservation groups, nature centers and zoos, United States national parks and monuments, and international wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere preserves . One of the first federally commissioned posters was the ecology of Glacier Bay National Park in the 1960's . He also designed interpretive displays for Everglades National Park . He had produced more than 100 limited - edition silk - screen prints . Charles Harper

3. Charley's Story, as Told by Himself When I am asked why I draw the way I do my answer is, " Because I was bugged by happy housewives ." I say this half in jest, but in retracing my path as an artist I find that this answer best describes an important turning point that directed me toward what I now feel is the work I do best - nature illustration . But I'm way ahead of my story . .

5. Books Featuring the Art of Charley Harper BEGUILED BY THE WILD A fantastic coffe - table style book representing over 125 plates . These images span Charley Harper's 60-year illustrious career . Mammals, Birds, Insects and other subjects grace the pages of this chronicle of Charley's life work . Humorous word - play captions or puns accompany each image lending a glimpse into the fascinating world of nature in a humorous fashion .

6. Games & Other Items Featuring the Art of Charley Harper

7. Stationery & Calendars Featuring the Art of Charley Harper 2010 Charley Harper Engagement Calendar

8. Product from Haper.

10. In a style he called "minimal realism", Charley Harper captured the essence of his subjects with the fewest possible visual elements. I n 2003, the Sharonville Fine Arts Council awarded Harper a Lifetime Achievement Award.

12. Some famouse picture frome Haper web.