Lawrence Harris facts for kids

Abandoned Ship, an oil painting by Lawrence Harris

Lawrence Harris is an American painter who was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1937. He learned about art in both the United States and Europe. Harris is famous for two main styles of painting. One is called impressionistic, like his painting Abandoned Ship. The other is abstract, which means the art uses shapes and colors to show feelings or ideas, like his work called The Cross.

His paintings usually do not have a date on them. He signs them "L Harris" with the 'L' and 'H' letters partly on top of each other. You can find some of Lawrence Harris's paintings in public places, like the Denver Art Museum. It is important not to confuse this artist with another famous painter named Lawren Harris (1885–1970), who was from Canada.

What is Impressionism?

Impressionism is a style of painting that started in the late 1800s. Artists who paint in this style try to capture the "impression" of a scene. They focus on how light changes colors and shapes. They often use small, thin brushstrokes. This makes the painting look like a quick glance at something.

What is Abstract Art?

Abstract art is a type of art where artists do not try to paint things exactly as they look. Instead, they use shapes, colors, lines, and textures to create a feeling or an idea. It can be about emotions, music, or even just the beauty of shapes. Abstract art lets you use your imagination to see what the artist might have been thinking.

Art in Public Collections

Lawrence Harris's art can be seen in important places. The Denver Art Museum is one of these places. When art is in a public collection, it means many people can visit and enjoy it. Museums help keep art safe and share it with everyone. This allows students and art lovers to learn from different artists.

Auction Records for Art

Sometimes, paintings are sold at special events called auctions. The highest price ever paid for a painting by Lawrence Harris was $1,170. This happened for his painting called Abandoned Ship. It is a large oil painting, about 72 by 48 inches. It was sold on December 13, 2007, at an auction in Colorado Springs. This record shows how much people value his artwork.