Interview with Charles White

An Interview with Beloved Northern California Artist, Charles White


When did you know you wanted to paint – to create art?
I started drawing with pencil and Ink when I was 8 and started painting in oils at 12. So I guess you could say that from early childhood I wanted to create art. It wasn’t until I was 43, however, that I started to make a “career” in the art world.

You are known for your art teaching skills – what is it that you do to bring out the best in your students?

Well, first it’s important that the student has an understanding of the principles of good composition and the importance of color theory and values. I go over these principles constantly as I try to get the student to see from an artist’s perspective, that is to look more closely and study the relationships of shapes and balance, of complementary colors, of proper values. Then I try to give a lot of encouragement to students and be very positive and enthusiastic.


You were born in Canada – did the scenery you grew up with have an impact on how you paint your landscapes today?

I think so. Yes, I always loved the rocky mountains of Canada and the autumn colors of my native Ontario. Those were the first things I painted along with a few snow scenes. I think artists are strongly influenced by the landscape that surrounds them – you paint what you know.


What advise would you give someone who longs to paint but isn’t sure if they have the talent?

Give it a try. Oils and acrylic paints are opaque mediums and consequently are very forgiving of mistakes. Simply paint over mistakes to make better lines or shapes. Values and hues can be changed quite easily unlike ore transparent mediums. You don’t have to have tons of talent to enjoy creating and having fun with lines, shapes and colors. And if you find you have are talented, you can have even more fun.

Does it make a difference if you are working with an older or a younger person?

Not really. My approach is basically the same although I will probably be more patient with the very young (10-15) and the very old (80+).
Do you think people’s experiences – their age, for example – brings something to the art they create?

Definitely. An older person will have traveled and experienced much more and his art will usually reflect that. A younger person is not as confident in their abilities but sometimes have better imaginations.

You teach art all over the world – what has drawn you to teach in Folsom over the last few years?

Well, Sutter Street is definitely charming, but it’s the warm and enthusiastic support of American Visions Gallery that has drawn me to Folsom. They have organized several workshops, including one in Tuscany, and worked hard to promote my art over the years. So I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for Folsom because of the very supportive people at American Visions Gallery.

Last question – Charles, how do you want to be remembered?

Wow, that’s an ominous question. I suppose I would like to be thought of as a good, decent guy whoa s a good husband and father and had a loving heart. If my art has inspiried people or given them enjoyment, then that’s a plus, but I don’t expect I’ll be judged as a great artist by any stretch of the imagination. I’ll attracted to the beauty that I see in the world around us, and I hope that I have helped others see that beauty and appreciate it. If I am remembered for that, it will be enough – I’m happy. I love what I’m doing, and I hope it shows.

Charles White will be at American Visions Art Gallery on Saturday, November 17, 2007
to show his latest collection of Plein Air paintings and talk about his last
workshop in the hills of Tuscany.

Join him for an

Art Reception and Discussion of his Recent Art Workshop in Tuscany
November 17, 2007
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

RSVPs appreciated but not required.