For decades, Charley Harper (1922-2007) provided art collectors with unique views of the natural world.  In a style that Charley called "minimal realism," the artist created stylized drawings and paintings that captured the essence of his subjects using the fewest possible elements.  He explained, "I don't count the feathers; I just count the wings." 

Even prestigious collectors and wildlife museums recognized the quality of Charley's works.  Despite the initial apparent simplicity of his images, critics recognized that "you had to know what to put it before you could decide what to leave out."

Gallery One has proudly represented Charley's works, along with the works of wife Edie and, later, son Brett, since the 1980s. Through the years, many Gallery One clients attended special events featuring the works of Charley and Edie and were entertained by humorous explanations of their imagery.

Today, a cult-like following continues to grow as Charley's works appeal to new generations of collectors who find his images are perfect with decors from the most traditional to the most contemporary.

Charley's biography includes scores of prestigious commissions and honors.  He 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 1960s.  Other works include the design of ceramic tile murals for the Federal Building and Convention Center in Cincinnati, as well as the Biology Building at Miami University in Ohio.  He has also illustrated interpretive displays for Everglades National Park in Florida.  

Harper books include Charley Harper’s Birds & Words,  Beguiled By the Wild: The Art of Charley Harper,  The Golden Book of Biology and The Animal Kingdom.