Harper Ever After presents paintings and prints from both artists, from their early art school days until 1960, when Charley created Cardinal, now one of his best-known images. The artists' command of a wide range of styles—from realism to abstraction to cubism—is not only impressive, it informs the path each took to arrive at their individual techniques. The subjects they chose to depict are just as diverse. Charley's World War II scenes, portraits, and cartoons created while serving in Europe as a private first class are especially poignant. Brett Harper provides a biographical introduction that follows his parents from art school to commercial and fine art success, and his commentary on specific artworks provides valuable insight. Art critic Sara Caswell-Pearce's essay focuses on the development of the Harpers' artistic prowess, while Chip Doyle, a family friend, tells his story of discovering long-lost early works. Harper Ever After presents great talent in its formative years. Longtime Harper fans and collectors will appreciate never-before-seen artwork and come away with a new appreciation of the Harpers' mature work, post-1960.
