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Stephen Harlan has established his own unique style of digital artwork in a world moving quickly into the future.

Stephen James Harlan:  His Story … His Inspiration

Stephen James Harlan was born in rural Minnesota. His childhood memories are filled with thoughts of family, friends and activities that kept the soul alive during the Upper Midwest’s long winter months.

His family relocated to Ft. Myers, Florida when Stephen was still in grade school. His love for the water began at this early age when he spent many days (literally) sailing into the sunset on his catamaran.

Investigating the uniqueness of harbors and sunsets became a passion in those early years. Even now, Stephen’s nautical focus grows deeper every day, with the never-ending inspiration that comes from carefully observing the sea and the water in all of their contrasts.

Artistic Development

In the early 1980s, Stephen and his wife Martha relocated to Burbank, California where his love for the ocean continued and grew. His artistic style expanded too, with images of the southwest and several other areas of inspiration becoming a part of his portfolio.

Stephen’s portfolio of abstract images also grew as increased interest and requests from California and West Coast collectors surfaced.

Stephen’s work was recognized by many, and his work adorned the covers of national magazines that ran the gamut from commercial, industrial, and musical amphitheater promotions to trendsetting publications such as AV/Video.

During these years, Stephen was commissioned to produce custom images including nautical, southwestern and abstract topics. He was recognized as a leader in digital imagery and placed “Best of Show” in important exhibits in Los Angeles and across Southern California.

A Return to the East

In the late 1980s, Stephen and his family relocated near Washington, DC where they lived with their daughters, Danielle and Samantha, until both girls graduated from high school. They still own a home in Prince Frederick, Maryland on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

In 2008, the Harlans moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. Today, the HarlanArt studio is located in Carolina Beach, where the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway serve as a constant source of stimulation for future work.