June, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #1: Paul Harman
After serving in the U.S. Army with the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 9th Division during the Vietnam War and retiring from a 40-year career in law enforcement, 81-year-old Northern California artist Paul Harman found a new calling through art.
Working primarily in soft pastel, Paul captures the beauty of Yosemite, California’s coastline, and rural landscapes with a realist’s eye and deep appreciation for nature. Inspired by the changing light, dramatic scenery, and everyday beauty around him, Paul views art as both a creative challenge and a source of peace, connection, and joy in retirement.
Name:
Paul Harman
Branch of service:
U.S. Army
About:
I am an 81 year old artist retired from 40 years in law enforcement. I served in the 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry, Third Brigade 9th Division in 1966-67. We deployed to Vietnam by troopship in November 1966 arriving in Vietnam 22 days later after surviving a typhoon that sickened 3/4 of the ship. 35-40 ft seas broke over the bow and they ordered everyone below and battened down the hatches. I was a weapons squad leader and survived a year to come home on December 7th 1967.
I am married and my wife and I have two grown sons with their own families and we live in Northern California.
Website:
www.paulharman.com
Title of Piece #1:
Fall Yields to Oncoming Winter
Medium of Piece #1:
Soft Pastel
Meaning Behind Piece #1:
Yosemite is an unbelievable treasure and my favorite National Park. One cannot go there without being moved and awed by its beauty.
Piece #1:
Title of Piece #2:
Sun Kissed Seaside Ranch
Medium of Piece #2:
Soft Pastel
Meaning Behind Piece #2:
This old scenic ranch is on the coast of California about 15 miles north of Bodega Bay. I am a realist artist and I do my best to recreate the beauty I see.
Piece #2:
What inspires you to create art?:
The beauty of our country - the mountains, beaches, farm or ranch country animals, old barns, seascapes and landscapes.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
My retirement years have been impacted positively - meeting new friends in other artists and also meeting people who come to my studio and purchase a painting. Being able to create has been a benefit to my health and peace of mind. It has brought new friends and recognition in the community.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
I have learned a great deal about the pastel medium and have tried many makes of pastels, many different kinds of sanded paper and experimented with different techniques I learned from other artists. To grow we have to continually learn something new. I enjoy a challenge and visitors are amazed with what I can do in pastel. One never stops learning if one wants to improve.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
It usually starts with a drive in the country around us. Sometimes it's a weather change, gorgeous sunlight lighting a scene, or magnificent clouds or a beautiful beach scene.
I select a subject I want to paint, decide on the size and do a rough sketch and layout rough color. I then use alcohol to liquefy the pastel and it looks like a rough watercolor painting. That becomes my undercoat and I build up layers of color a detail until I complete the painting.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
CAVARTS is fairly new to me and I hope to meet other vets through this great program.
Our monthly theme is Celebrating Summer, but Paul submitted this earlier this year when we were celebrating Songwriting for the Soul and Art and Soul. Here’s what he had planned:
Songwriting for the Soul - In Pastel
Art and Soul - Taking my Valentine to Bodega Bay and enjoying the beauty there with her.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
You may not feel you can draw but practicing daily improves your skill. Before you know it you can see a difference in your ability. Like anything it is a learning process.
Keep reading and studying and visit art museums to see what others have done. Pursue art for your own enjoyment and let your creative inspirations flow on paper or canvas.
