Barbara Harmon Biography

Barbara Harmon began her career as an artist and illustrator in 1991, after finishing a master’s degree in Biomedical Visualization (University of Illinois at Chicago), and working briefly as a medical illustrator. Since then she has enjoyed the experiences she’s had by virtue of being a biological illustrator and fine artist. Her adventurous personality and fascination for all life forms has led her all over the country and across widely varying terrain. Much of her art reflects these travels.

Barbara gained varied career experiences by spending time before and after graduate school in graphic arts and exhibit design. She also pursued her zoological interests through being a live exhibit curator, data collector on whale watch boats, volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center and veterinary technician. All of these experiences have contributed to her deep understanding of many animal species, which is apparent when you look at her attention to form and detail in her animal illustrations and paintings.

In addition to a master’s degree, Barbara has undergraduate degrees in Zoology and Fine Art (University of California, Berkeley). Some of her accomplishments include: Arts for the Parks-Top 100, 1999,2000; Arts for the Parks-Second 100, 1998; Artists’ Magazine finalist, 1995, 2001; Cover and Feature Artist-Step by Step Graphics, 1998; Feature Artist, Wildlife Art, 2003.