Allison Harn is an artist based in Cary, NC, with over 17 years of experience in illustration and design. Specializing in acrylic gouache, oil, and watercolor, she draws inspiration from both childhood nostalgia and the natural world. Her work captures the beauty of nature through detailed landscapes and vibrant scenes, reflecting a deep connection to the outdoors. Allison holds a BFA in Painting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work centers around contrast—the tension between nature and the manufactured, the wild and the serene, the geometric and the organic. I draw from personal experiences, using a variety of media including acrylic gouache, oil, and watercolor, to create pieces that balance quiet moments of tranquility with bursts of vibrant joy. Color plays a big role in my process, allowing me to highlight these contrasts in playful, yet meaningful ways. I often explore the warmth of memory in dialogue with the rawness of the natural world. Through this, I aim to reflect on the passage of time and the fragility of our connections to both.
My use of movement, light, and texture, paired with bold color choices, infuses each piece—whether a landscape or a figurative work—with emotional depth. At the same time, I hope to infuse each piece with a sense of liveliness and playfulness. Rather than focusing on individual works, I often create small, cohesive series of 3-5 pieces. Each series offers a unique perspective on a shared theme, allowing me to explore contrasts in new ways. I look at the stillness of nature versus human intervention or the balance between introspection and exuberance. Ultimately, my work is an invitation to reflect on the emotional weight of nature and memory, and the delicate balance between them.