Featured Artist Beth Charles

Artist Beth Charles shares a collection of abstract paintings filled with vibrant color and energy. More of her portfolio can be found on her website.

 

 

I create my art from my studio located in Holland, Michigan. I have been a Michigan resident most of my life and I love the changing seasons and all the “Great Lakes State” has to offer.

 

 

I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan with concentrations in painting, drawing and illustration.

 

 

After a recent three-year illness when I stopped painting altogether, I returned to my art with a yearning to take my work in a whole new direction.

 

 

After many years of painting realism, I felt it was time to look inward for inspiration. Hence, I turned to abstract and the voices within that kept knocking at my door. I had a burning desire to play and experiment with line, color, value and form, wanting to just see what happens.

 

 

It felt like it was time to face the scary reality of just “letting go” of pre-conceived ideas and jump in over my head. Non-objective abstract painting is a way to put oneself out there—like a tight rope walker without a net.

 

 

I start each piece with a chosen color palette. I then use many different mark making tools to loosen up and get a feel for where I want to go.

 

 

I try to always keep in mind what motivates me to paint—brushstrokes that show movement, emotion, balance, contrast and exploring how color can convey ideas.

 

 

“What lies beneath” is a continuous theme as I look for something I have never seen before. “Fresh, fast and loose” has always been my signature style.

 

 

Although I am focusing more and more on abstract painting, at times I still revert back to my roots and paint realism in order to keep my mind open to different ideas. Florals are my favorite “go to” subject.

 

 

Mentoring and teaching other artists also helps me keep my motivations clear. I also enjoy interacting with and helping other artists find their own paths to success.

 

Artist Beth Charles invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and ImageKind.

 

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