Local Marine Artist Loves a Good Challenge

Ron Harrison loves a challenge.

The Salem resident, who is retired and is also veteran (he served in the Navy for 24 years), paints watercolors, which are often inspired by North Shore surroundings and happenings.

"I just love to paint," Harrison explained. "The more detailed a painting is, the happier I am."

Harrison has always enjoyed the challenge of creating artistic renditions of photographs, but prior to retirement, life wasn't always conducive to pursuing his passion.

"I could always draw, but I was working and trying to raise a family," Harrison explained.

Though he would draw at home at night, Harrison didn't really have the chance to hunker down and give his art a chance until he retired.

When he was asked what he was going to do after he retired, Harrison said he decided he was going to paint. "And that's what I did," he said. He built a studio with some useful storage space and "I've been doing it [painting] ever since," he explained.

That was 12 years ago, and he still loves the challenge of painting today.

Initially, Harrison said "I stayed away from watercolor. When you make a mistake, there's no going back." But once he gave it a shot, Harrison said he stuck to it — once again, the challenge had him hooked.

In addition to his own projects, Harrison has also taught watercolor for the past three years.

As for choosing the subjects of his work, Harrison often draws inspiration from photographs of Salem's coastline, naval scenes and even events in the Witch City (he has painted a scene from Sgt. James A. Ayube II's December 2010 funeral).

Like many other artists, Harrison said when looking through photos "one will speak to you."

"If it hits my spirit," I'll do that, he explained.

Harrison also said he enjoys painting portraits.

In addition to involvement in area artists' associations, Harrison is  a Professional Signature member of the International Society of Marine Painters (ISMP) and a member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) as well as the American Watercolor Society (AWS).

To learn more on Harrison's art, and to get in touch, be sure to visit his website.