Charles Spratt (bn 1938) is a well-known Ottawa artist. His purposeful brush strokes and masterful treatment of Light are what makes his work so special.
As a boy, he attended a one-room schoolhouse where his gift to draw was first recognized by the teacher and confirmed by the applause from parents and fellow students when called upon to draw Disney characters on the blackboard. Much of his spare time was spent with his dog in the fields and forests near his home, where he developed a life-long appreciation for the natural world. Following an engineering degree and two years working in the North, Charlie joined the family company, married, and became absorbed in business and raising a family. At the age of 40, under the mentorship of Grant Tigner, renowned Ottawa painter, Charlie experienced a calling to be an artist. The exact time and place are etched in his mind. While the responsibilities of family and work remained a priority, his spare time turned to art workshops, and painting activities. When he turned 65, the company was sold and Charlie was free to pursue his dream. As his artistic skills progressed, his paintings could be found in galleries in Ottawa, Manotick, Markham, Halibuton, Calgary, Vancouver and Baie-St-Paul. QC He continues to paint most days and leads artist groups on regular plein air adventures each summer. “I believe that I am painting some of my best work, ever, these days. I will never stop looking for better ways to express my feelings in art: a philosophy that was part of every workshop I taught and remains an important part of my painting to this day” - Charles Spratt |
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