"This series is very important to me. During this pandemic, I have not been able to travel and see my friends. Two years ago I went to the Isle of Skye with my family and my best friends, Josie and Phil, who live in England. It was a great vacation.
So now instead of traveling, I painted my memories. I picked my Isle of Skye color palette, and printed out pictures of my trip and taped them up in the studio. And then I just painted all my happy memories. I especially like how the deep red/brown is like the rib boat we went on looking for seals in the dark, dark blue sea. Scotland is very green, but there were lots of soft blue skies and clouds. It made me very happy to paint these paintings, and I hope this series brings you happiness too."
- Charlie French
Contact ArtLifting for larger size options.
Santa Fe, NM
“Yes, I have Down syndrome but first I want you to see me: Charlie French. Then I want you to see my ART!”
Abstract artist Charlie French works in his art studio almost daily, his commitment to his craft evident when viewing his beautiful, calming paintings. Born in NY, Charlie has lived both in the US and abroad, currently residing in Santa Fe, NM. While living and studying in London, a teacher noticed Charlie’s innate understanding of color theory and composition, and hence encouraged Charlie and his parents to support and nurture his artistic passion.
Charlie creates impressive abstract works, tapping into his imagination and finding delight in the process as well as the finished product. He is a prolific painter, and when asked about his process responds: "I like colors and shapes. Sometimes I do (paint) a lot. Sometimes not. I don’t think about it. I have fun.” And this is the key to Charlie’s process in that painting is fundamentally and powerfully a positive and therapeutic experience. Studio time is most exciting, pushing boundaries and filled with exploration and energy, and then relaxing into a rhythm of contented, peaceful creation. Charlie’s abstract paintings mirror the joy of his imagination, and share with the world a piece of his happiness. All of which provides Charlie with a meaningful, purposeful life.
When Charlie is not in his studio with his dog, Percy, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family. One of his dream projects is to gather his artist friends together in the studio for a collaborative painting piece, and then celebrate with hamburgers, fries and chocolate almond milk.
ArtLifting champions artists impacted by disabilities and housing insecurity by connecting their art with socially-conscious customers . Learn more here.
