An artist is using cremation ashes in his paintings to create unique memorial landscapes that grieving families can personalize as a way to remember loved ones.
Gary Harper began painting professionally just two years ago and was inspired by the loss of his cousin to respectfully experiment with blending a small amount of ashes into his artwork.
He holds consultations with families to learn about the deceased and any their favorite memories, focusing on landscapes with a personal connection.
The 33-year-old from Liverpool began painting while at college and developed a love for still life and landscapes.
It wasn’t until he became an occupation therapy assistant in a psychiatric hospital that he saw first-hand the profound effect art could have on people.
“I held an art therapy session with a patient and we made so many paintings together,” said the 33-year-old. “I was guiding her through the process and I realized how much I enjoyed it.
“A month later, I picked up the brush and started painting for myself. The piece was abstract sunflowers and the feedback I got was overwhelming.”
While painting in his free time in December 2024, his cousin Donna passed away from cancer.
“It was so close to Christmas and it was really emotional.
A year later, he was painting some seascapes when the thought crossed his mind that he could add some ashes.”
In November 2025, Gary painted his first Ashes to Art commission, aiming to provide a personalized memorial in acrylic paint for the bereaved.
“It was lovely the family trusted me,” he told SWNS news agency. “It’s a respectful process.”
“I do a consultation with the loved one, learning everything about the person and what they enjoyed.
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“Visually the family can see where the ashes have gone, rather than scattering them.”
Gary’s canvases start at 12×12 inches (30x30cm) for $135 (£100), but he works with the family so they can afford the perfect picture.
“The reaction I get is joy, initially. Then it gets emotional.
“It’s a humbling experience to know you’ve helped someone through the grieving stage.”
“Some people scatter ashes and then there’s nothing left.
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“With a painting, when it’s done, the family can feel the painting texture with the ashes, so they can still ‘feel’ the person in the painting, especially if it’s a place they used to love.”
Learn more at the Gary Harper Art website.
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