Harold Branham

Harold was born and currently resides in Blythewood SC, as did most of his ancestors. His interest for art was piqued by his first set of crayons that he received in grade school. After graduation, Harold was employed at one of the South’s major sign companies as a sketch artist.  While employed with the sign company Harold also learned to paint signs, but always wanted to be able to paint what he saw, felt and loved.  Sometimes, inspiration is as simple as a clothesline beside an old house. His hometown may now
be home to red lights, fast food stops and motels but the artist’s favorite subjects remain old farmhouses, country stores
and pastures.

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Harold turns memories into art. A clothesline by an old house, a classic outhouse, a farm couple shelling peas on a porch, a vintage truck mired in mud, a pod of okra and two blooms set to open...time-forgotten depots, a man plowing a beloved mule, and he writes as well. That mule plowing? “Korn Hunting.” What gave us this artist? A childhood box of crayons. Painting signs for a Southern sign company, and a deep yearning to paint what he loves—the past. The Past—Harold and I like the same things. The fragrance of fresh-cut pine. Trading Pepsi bottles for two cents deposit. You’ll appreciate the vision, heart, and art of Harold Branham, a Blythewood original.

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From conversations with my friend, Harold Branham
— Tom Poland