Hal Burkan ~ Artist

Dr. Harold “Hal” Burkan was born on April 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian immigrant parents. Born with one leg affected by polio, Hal overcame early physical challenges through determination and a passion for life. Swimming became a vital exercise in his youth, shaping his resilience and drive to excel in every pursuit.

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From the age of nine, Hal cultivated a lifelong love of magic, performing tricks and table illusions that later evolved into a career as a mentalist on cruise ships. He also apprenticed in watchmaking and ran a jewelry kiosk in Manhattan, demonstrating his early entrepreneurial spirit.

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Hal graduated from chiropractic school in Manhattan and eventually relocated with his family to Los Angeles, where he built a practice in chiropractic and naturopathy. By his mid-forties, he reduced his professional hours to focus on his true passion: art. He traveled the world extensively, studying traditional Chinese watercolor techniques and woodworking, welding, and painting. Under the mentorship of a Chinese master, Hal honed his craft, producing a remarkable body of work over a decade.

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Hal’s art reflects his adventurous spirit, meticulous study, and deep appreciation for culture and technique. He incorporated lessons from anatomy, acupuncture, and acupressure into both his art and practice, blending science and creativity seamlessly.

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Together with his wife, Joan, Hal visited over 50 countries, gathering inspiration and supplies for his work. He later taught Chinese painting on cruise ships, gifting original works to captains and passengers alike. Hal left his daughter, Debi Gail, over 300 treasured paintings, many of which now adorn Debi’s Anchorage B&B retreat, preserving his legacy for the world to enjoy.

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Hal Burkan passed away at home in Huntington Beach on November 15, 2002, leaving behind a life defined by curiosity, creativity, and boundless passion.