David Harlan “ Final Adjuments” Oil Painting

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.A stunning painting by David Harlan, titled "Final Adjustment," captures the poignant moment when two young dancers delicately adjust the … Read more .A stunning painting by David Harlan, titled "Final Adjustment," captures the poignant moment when two young dancers delicately adjust the ribbons of their slippers before stepping onto the stage. This artwork not only highlights their graceful preparation but also evokes a sense of anticipation and artistry that resonates deeply with the viewer.
DAVID HARLAN (1933-2023) SANTA FE

David Harlan was born in 1933, during the waning years of the Dust Bowl and at the height of the Great Depression. At that time, people held onto their faith in God and hoped for a better tomorrow.

Hard times did not shape David's character, but they did reveal it, along with his true interests and heart. His passion for art was ignited at age 5 when he was captivated by an uncle's pencil drawing of an Indian on horseback.

The 1940s brought about positive changes. World War II created job opportunities, prompting David's family to move from Winfield, Kansas, to the larger Wichita, Kansas. This move exposed David to new horizons and an art museum, fueling his artistic vision.

The 1950s were busy years for David. He graduated from high school, began college, and pursued art classes to nurture his desire to become an illustrator. Subsequently, he served in the military, returned to college, and graduated. A year later, he married. Throughout these years, drawing and painting remained a significant part of David's life. He worked in the printing industry and raised two daughters, Rebecca and Rise, with his wife Kay.

In 1967, a vacation to Santa Fe, NM, introduced David to one of the top four art markets in the United States, along with exceptional galleries and professional fine artists. This experience planted the seed of a dream: "Could I someday live in this beautiful country, paint wonderful paintings, and make a living doing it?" Over the next 17 years, this dream continued to burn and grow. In 1984, with one daughter married and the other in school in California, David and Kay embarked on another great adventure. They moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where David painted continuously for three years before being accepted by a gallery.

Instead of contemplating retirement, David and Kay began a new career at an age when most people are winding down. David's work started being shown in galleries across the country, and a one-man show in London, England, contributed to his exposure to the art world. After 18 years in Santa Fe, the Harlans moved to Prescott, Arizona. David exhibited his paintings at galleries in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico, Alabama, Texas, Massachusetts, and Arizona.

What a wonderful life God blessed them with. See less