Self-taught and, apprenticed, Schel Harris learned his painting chops the classical way, by copying the masters.By a lifetime of trial and error schel has found his melded techniques for layering raw colors over raw colors. Cutting the wood and, stretching his own canvases.Tedious layer after layer of his surface preparation is THE work part of it he says. Every piece is a learning experience Schel adds. Going in with a clear idea while remaining open to where the materials may lead is not only less stress but, brings in textures and elements that I may have otherwise not even thought of. Schel has recently published a book of his illustrations that include many of his ink works with beautiful full colour plates as well.