Born and raised in Arkansas, Harry McDermott became infatuated with art in the 2nd grade when a schoolmate drew a picture of a horse. He regarded her as a sorceress. After that he took art classes at the Arkansas Art Center and later at the University of Arkansas.

While attending the University of Arkansas his mixed media, "Southern Women", was displayed at the capitol in Little Rock and his mixed media "Fallâ" was displayed and is still displaying in Memorial Hall at the University of Arkansas. Since graduating Harry as exhibited his art at the Walton Art Center, Arsaga's, Gallery 111, The Free Weekly, The Grapevine, and Whimsical Gallery.