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About Harlan Simantel
Reverse cannot befall
That fine Prosperity
Whose Sources are interior
-Emily Dickinson
How did you learn to draw?
I knew I wanted to be an artist at about age 5. From then on, I practiced continually. My early efforts at drawing what I saw were awkward, but I improved as I kept working at it. By age 15 I could accurately draw almost anything I saw.
How did you learn to paint?
In my junior year at Oregon City High School, we got a new art teacher, Jack Barber. Mr. Barber was an adept oil painter whom I absorbed much from--just by watching him paint. It was difficult for me to change from drawing in line , using pencil and pen, to painting in areas of color. But I painted almost every day for 6 months, often into the early morning hours. While in high school I sold my first paintings, along with professionals, at an art auction.
What do you do for a living?
I'm a retired graphic artist/signmaker for a community college, since June, 2007. I'm currently following my passions: painting, writing, and poetry. I'm also trying to daily follow Jesus' advice in John 15 to become very productive for God in my own way. I believe it's the smartest way for me to experience deeper satisfaction, peace of mind, and well being. Who better to work for than the Creator of worms, elephants, zebras, hummingbirds, humans, sex!, and the far-flung galaxies? (John 1:2, Colossians 2:16, John 17:24)
Where did you go to school?
I won a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago in 1969, but I left after a year and a half. Most instructors in my classes expressed a strong bias against representational art and artists, so I learned very little from them. Seeing the wide variety of art at the Institute was very educational, however. I learned to appreciate art outside my representational leanings, by looking at it on a daily basis.
Who are your favorite artists, those who've influenced you?
I like Robert Henri, a turn of the century American artist, inspirational teacher, and writer. His book, The Art Spirit , gives vigorous, can-do encouragement to fellow artists. I also like various American landscape painters of the late 19th century up to the present.
My work doesn't look anything like Georgia O'Keefe, John Marin, Stuart Davis, Jack Beal, John Chamberlain, Charles Sheeler, Henri Rousseau, Paul Klee, Franz Kline, and Mary Cassatt (to drop a few names). But I enjoy looking at their work.
On the lighter side, I like many cartoonists. Gary Larsen, Pat Oliphant and Al Hirschfeld are at the top of my list.
Do you think the computer limits or enhances creativity for artists?
If you're satisfied to only use the quick and easy enhancements in Photoshop or Painter, you may be limiting yourself. But if you use these programs as tools to express yourself, and make the most of them, the computer is an incredible resource. For instance, some graphic designers can't draw well. But they can put visual ideas together in new and interesting ways that get our attention. They are truly creative. Picasso, like or dislike him, was that kind of person.
As more visual artists turn to computers, drawing and painting with traditional media such as pencil and watercolor may become rare -- and perhaps more valued.
Do you feel you have a special calling or "gift" as an artist?
If I do, I don't think it's any more special than anyone who develops and hones a skill: a barber; a speedy typist; or a juggler.
Did you create this web site?
Yes, thanks to Alan Levine at Maricopa Community College in Arizona, via the Internet. If you want to learn to write HTML, you can work through a free tutorial of 23 lessons, Writing HTML. You actually build a web page, step by step, as you go. You only need a web browser like Netscape or Explorer, and a text editor like Notepad or Simple Text.
I have another web site, The Lord is Near -- written from an independent, progressive, Christian point of view. Cartoons included! I am not a churchgoer. I also have a blog, Random Thoughts, much of it how I differ from traditional Christianity.
How do you pronounce your last name?
Si as in "sit", mantel as in a fireplace mantle. The name is German, originally something like "Siemandel", so I've heard. It may mean "almond tree" or "one who sits by a fireplace, cogitating about the universe, keeping the cat off his lap."
What do you do besides art?
I live in a tree-lined northeast neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It's a pleasant area for walks, bike riding, and admiring well-preserved older homes, yards, and large trees. I like to occasionally hike into the scenic Cascades with my wife, and fly fish small, remote lakes. In the fall we enjoy watching Portland State Viking football games at PGE Park. In the cool winter months we watch PSU basketball and attempt ballroom dancing.
Dedication: This website is dedicated to: Jack Barber, my high school art teacher; Larry Smelser, who encouraged me and employed me at the Brush and Palette Art Association during my high school years; Helen Trayle, B&P artist who inspired me with her painting skill, creativity and experimentation; my older sister Judy -- I always wanted to be able to draw as well as her; my mom, who was an honest, helpful critic of my paintings; and my dad, who set a good example of hard work and love for his passion, gardening. Some of these people have passed away, but their influence remains. Last, but really first -- God.
All art work Copyright © Harlan Simantel
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