On Being an Artist

#2251096 Enchanted Forest 48x60

​ 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 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 freely shared their knowledge and experience. I am forever grateful to them and I do my best to return the favour to others. I have settled into a painting style that I call 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

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