Born in Irvington, New Jersey, and growing up in the city of Newark, Harry R. spent his early years following in Dad's footsteps. His father, an accomplished artist and musician himself, realized his son had special talents in both Art and Music very early in life and encouraged his development in both areas of interest.

Although Harry R. primarily explored his musical talent during his school years, he never strayed too far from the canvass. After graduating from Westfield high school, westfield, New Jersey, however, and serving a tour in the United States Navy, Harry R. returned home where he committed himself to the study of art.

Applying himself fully during those study years, he advanced quickly, gaining praise from many of his teachers and colleagues for his grasp of art concepts and his own unique techniques, and winning many awards for his artistic creations. After earning so much recognition within the art community, needless to say he finished his studies with a flourish. The continuity of his early career in art, however, was interrupted due to family demands and a lingering love for music. But as age began to catch up with him and music passed him by, Harry R. gradually found his way back to the canvass. In recent years, he spends most of his time painting portraits and other pictures giving to him on consignment. His work has been received with much acclaim and won him many awards and honors throughout Central Jersey.

It begins with a simply photograph or two of his subjects, photographs which he will gladly take himself upon request. He uses the photographs as his models to breathe life into his canvasses. He takes pride in his work, and his specialty is creating family portraits by combining several individual photographs of his subjects into a common group setting, coordinating their attire and demeanor to fit the occasion or mood of the event.

At times, he also uses video of his subjects (If requested, he will gladly do them himself), which is helpful in allowing him a more intense study of his subjects, permitting him to capture the true spirit and nature of the occasion. Working with this mixed media, his efforts ignites a realism in his work that's seldom found in art these days.

Today, Harry R. works with art and videography. He has expressed interest in promoting and teaching art, working with students of all ages. His dream is to open an art school some day to promote the development of young talent using his techniques. At present, he stands readily available to offer the benefits of his knowledge and experience to anyone seriously interested in developing his or her skills.

His credentials are impeccable. Harry R. was an art major at Monmouth County College, Monmouth County, New Jersey. After graduating, he went on to study commercial art and Illustration at the Art Instructional Institute, and Drafting and Blue Printing at the Summit Center College in Summit, New Jersey. He put the finishing touches on his official education, studying photography at the Ducré Art Institute. Harry R. is a warm and friendly person, with a true love and devotion for the arts and the people with whom he interacts.

Harry R. Stier (The Artist) resides in the township of South River, New Jersey. He can be contacted by phone at: (908) 613-1926; or by e mail at: artistharrystier@aol.com

Epilogue:

Harry's happiest years were spent at 32 W. Grochoviak St., South River, New Jerwsey. He died of complications in June of 2009 at the age of 66, leaving behind a wife, Marti Noel-Stier, two daughters, a son and seven lovely grandchildren. So long, Harry, you will be sorely missed! 1942--2009.