That’s a good question.

In my forty some years of painting, I have gotten to know many artists and I came to the realization that most paint for all sorts of reasons. Personally, I get my pleasure from learning new techniques, meeting other artists, showing my work to people who admire art and last but not least, I enjoy painting and helping others to improve their own skills. Marketing and selling my work are necessary tasks.

Art shows can serve artists well in their formative painting years, providing opportunities to expose their work to the public and learning how to evaluate and price their work in the marketplace. I know that because I participated in many of those shows and learned a great deal from them.

A show such as the Ten-Collective is different. The ten selected participants are seasoned artists with years of painting experience. They require a platform that attracts clientele and potential new customers. Spacious booths and professional lighting are essential; a place where artists can display their talents in an atmosphere that exudes quality. The fact that Ten-Collective is repetitive with a history of excellent attendance and good sales is comforting to the artists and clients and builds anticipation for the next one.

That’s why I am excited to be part of the April 26 & 27, 2025 Ten Collective Show at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, Ont. In all of my years of painting, it ranks with the best art shows in which I have participated.

Hope to see you there.
Charles Spratt OSA CSPWC
February 2025

​ Whether I’m cruising the back roads looking for inspiration or at my easel in my studio with the jazz channel playing, I feel very lucky: blessed with a talent to draw and an insatiable thirst to learn more about art.


I clearly recall, in a moment of clarity, on a rainy evening in 1980, when walking back to my van with a friend after an art class at the Ottawa School of Art. I was 40 yrs old and I stopped in my tracks to express a commitment to myself to get serious about painting. Shortly after that, by chance, I met Grant Tigner, a professional artist and a president of the Ottawa School of Art. Grant would become my friend and mentor until I was forced to abandon oil painting and take up watercolours because I acquired an allergy to solvents. The business of raising a growing family and work were my first priorities, so pursuing art had to be in spare time. Some 20 years later, I retired from work and turned to art with a passion.

Now 46 years later, after standing in the rain and making a promise to myself, I can truly say that its been a great trip thanks to the support of my wife and family, and the many friends, past and present, that have generously shared their knowledge and experience. I do my best to return the favour to others.

I have settled into a painting style that I refer to as my own, despite the fact that it is the result of my experiencing so many different ways to paint with imagination and self-expression.

It’s snowing outside. When the weather clears, there will be paintings to paint. I can’t wait.

Charlie
December 2024