We'll be adding all kinds of news and notes to this page. If you're looking for something specific, such as class or workshop information, try the Index or Blog Archive in the left margin.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Portrait of Local Georgia Educator Florine Dial Johnston

"Florine Dial Johnston"   24x18   oil on linen

Earlier this year Charles was chosen to paint a posthumous portrait of Florine Dial Johnston (1890-1979), a life-long teacher and educator from Woodstock, Georgia. Two of her sons commissioned the painting, intending it for display at the local elementary school which is her namesake.

Charles with Florine's sons Richard and William Johnston

On December 1st, the family presented the framed portrait to the staff and students of the Florine Dial Johnston Elementary School. Florine's son Richard Johnston noted that the painting was very well received and he expects that it will hang at the school for many years to come.

Principal Amy Graham (holding the painting), Johnston family members,
school counselor Michelle Giles, and students of the Florine Dial Johnston Elementary School

Posthumous portraits are always a challenge. Charles relied on multiple family photographs, as well as stories and reminiscences from family members to create the vignette-style likeness. He feels extremely honored that the Johnston family chose him to play this small part in continuing Florine's legacy as an educator and benefactor.

The Florine Dial Johnston Elementary School in Woodstock, Georgia



Saturday, December 16, 2017

Charles Awarded for Painting Outside the Box


"She Beguiles in Red" has been awarded 10th place in the Portrait Society of America's Members Only Competition, in the Outside the Box category!

She is included in very good company. The winners and finalists in all 5 categories are listed on the Portrait Society of America's website.

-- Portrait Society of America 2017 Members Only Competition

"She Beguiles in Red"   30 x 20    oil

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Follow Charles on Instagram !

Charles is now on Instagram!
Plenty of beautiful paintings, some cute studio cats, and maybe a few peeks behind the scenes.
Come join us.

www.instagram.com/charlesyoungwalls

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Charles Awarded AAPL's Frank C. Wright Medal of Honor


Jug with Broken Handle   18 x 14   oil

We were very honored to be notified that Charles' gorgeous still life painting "Jug with Broken Handle" was awarded the Frank C. Wright Medal of Honor at the American Artists Professional League's 89th Grand National Exhibition!

This year's exhibition was held online (due to a scheduling conflict with their usual venue, the beautiful Salmagundi Club) and is available to be viewed on their website through December 29, 2017. Also available is the list of award winners, chosen by nationally known and respected artists David A. Leffel and Sherrie McGraw.

Charles' award, the Frank C. Wright Medal of Honor, is named for a past president of the American Artists Professional League who led the organization for 15 years. According to his New York Times obituary, Frank C. Wright (1904-1982) was "an inventor and painter noted for his campaigns to raise money for classical art training." He was a businessman and economic specialist who graduated from Yale University and who also trained at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. His paintings, primarily portraits and seascapes, hang in the Smithsonian and other collections around the world.

The American Artists Professional League is a New York City based art organization dedicated to traditional realism. Their stated mission is to "advance the cause of the fine arts in America, through the promotion of high standards of beauty, integrity, and craftsmanship in painting, sculpture, and the graphic arts," principles that Charles also deeply believes in. They have held a Grand National Exhibition for the past 89 years.

 -- American Artists Professional League's website
 -- AAPL 89th Grand National Exhibition award winners
 -- read the full New York Times obituary for Frank C. Wright (1904-1982)


Friday, November 3, 2017

"Natasha" an Art Muse Contest Finalist


More great news from Art Muse! "Natasha" was chosen as a finalist in the Master Class category of the September edition of Art Muse Contest by that month's judge Marc Hanson.

"Those eyes! I really don't need to say too much more than that to justify my choice of this painting. Charles has beautifully painted this woman with a look on her face that would catch the attention of anyone in her presence. It's most skillfully painted, with just enough information included so as to convey the emotion, but not to detract from those eyes! A joy to view!" -- Marc Hanson

Thank you Marc for such a wonderful review! And many thanks again to the Art Muse organizers.

-- Art Muse Contest's website

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

"She Beguiles in Red" accepted into Audubon Artists Exhibition

"She Beguiles in Red"   30 x 20, oil

Audubon Artists, Inc., a New York City based art organization, recently held their 75th Annual Exhibition. We were very pleased to learn that Charles' vibrant figure painting "She Beguiles in Red" was selected by the jury to be included.

This year's exhibition was online, due to scheduling conflicts with The Salmagundi Club, their regular venue.

the Audubon Artists website

Saturday, October 7, 2017

"Amethyst" an Art Muse Contest Finalist


We once again received a great email from Art Muse Contest. "Amethyst" had been chosen as a finalist in the August competition by that month's judge Stanka Kordic.

"Another piece I kept coming back to... Very well composed, and the figure impeccably handled with just the right amount of detail, and suggestion. The color choices astounding to me as well." -- Stanka Kordic

Many thanks to Stanka and the Art Muse organizers.

-- Art Muse Contest's website

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Peter Cox (1942 - 2017) - In Memoriam

Peter Cox teaching at Art Students League
(photo from Workshop magazine Spring 2007)


Peter Cox has died.
The teacher who most impacted my art and my life, who altered the very way I see the world.

As an artist he was extraordinary in his approach and in the aesthetic he pursued. He may have not been as famous as other artists, but those who know of his art know him to be great.

"Study for Vespers" by Peter Cox
48 x 28, oil on panel, 2009
In 1989, while I was a student at National Academy of Design in NYC, a teacher urged me to go to a Peter Cox one man show that had just opened. That show blew me away. It was painting that I had never seen before. Real depth, but more-- the figures weren't just realistic, they seemed alive. I remember fighting back tears because of the beauty before me and then realizing those tears were because I knew I'd never be that good. I stayed at the gallery for several hours just looking and looking and then my despair turned into something else, a resolve to learn how to paint LIKE THIS, to paint with POWER and INTENSITY. I saw things at that exhibition that made an impact on me that has never diminished. I went back to that teacher and told him about my reactions to the show and he said, "You have to study with Peter. You think like him and you approach things like him."

As soon as finances allowed I went to Peter’s class at Art Students League and it was an immediate connection. He changed my art; he taught me how to think about things in a different way and to see, really see, color. HE CHANGED MY LIFE. Other teacher's classes all paled in comparison.

As I was growing professionally, I spent 5 years going back and forth from Atlanta to New York for Peter’s classes. My skills and understanding of the visual language grew until my confidence and busy schedule caused a transition that resulted in my discontinuing extended visits to NYC. After a decade and more of professional work and not going to class, I resolved to go back to see him in 2006 via his workshops at Art Students League. His tremendous artistic evolution was on display and there we were again - Peter teaching and me soaking it up like a sponge twice a year for almost a decade more.

My class notes from those times are precious to me, now more than ever. A single phrase from him could fling open doors in my mind and clarify the mysteries. I had hoped he would write and publish a book in his lifetime. Some vehicle to preserve his massive artistic knowledge, his philosophy, his approach.

But Peter has died.

And I cannot express in words the depth of my grief.

Charles Young Walls
Atlanta GA | September 8, 2017

 ___________________________________

"Couple" by Peter Cox
28.5 x 32, charcoal, pastel, graphite on bristol, 2000


For more information about Peter Cox please visit:

Peter Cox website

The Art Spirit Gallery's website

Monday, August 21, 2017

"Secrets Held Close" an AIS National Exhibition Finalist

"Secrets Held Close"   24 x 18   oil

Charles' new painting "Secrets Held Close" has been accepted into the American Impressionist Society's upcoming National Juried Exhibition. Only 175 pieces were accepted into the show from 1430 entries. We are so excited to be part of this great group!

The exhibition opens on September 28 at Montgomery-Lee Fine Art in Park City UT. All the works juried in are now available to view on the AIS website.

-- American Impressionist Society website
-- view the paintings selected for the National Juried Exhibition
-- Montgomery-Lee Fine Art website

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American Impressionist Society
18th Annual National Juried Exhibition
September 28 - October 29, 2017
Montgomery-Lee Fine Art
608 Main St., Park City UT 84060
435-655-3264

Monday, July 31, 2017

"At the Edge of the Storm" an Art Muse Contest Winner


We were delighted to receive the email notifying us that Charles' painting "At the Edge of the Storm" was June's winning entry for the Master Class category of Art Muse Contest, chosen by that month's judge Stephanie Birdsall.

"There is a lot of power and passion in this painting that I find irresistible. The brushwork and edges create motion. It feels alive." -- Stephanie Birdsall

Many thanks to the Art Muse organizers, the judge, and award sponsor Art Cantina.

The Art Muse Contest is an online competition now in it's second year. It hosts a different judge every month and entries are divided into categories according to the artist's experience.

Art Cantina is a web catalog of art teachers and art education opportunities, created to help art students find the best learning opportunities for them. They are "where creativity connects."

-- Art Muse Contest's website
-- Art Cantina's website

Saturday, June 24, 2017

"The Silver Mask" Accepted into Metro Montage Exhibition

The Silver Mask

We're very pleased to announce that "The Silver Mask" has been selected to hang in Metro Montage XVII, an all-media exhibition showcasing art and artists from across the Atlanta metro and north Georgia areas.

Come join us at the opening reception on Saturday evening, July 8, at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art on the square in downtown Marietta GA.

---------------------------------------------------

Metro Montage XVII
July 8 - Sept 10, 2017
Opening reception: Saturday, July 8, 6-8 pm
Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
30 Atlanta St., Marietta GA 30060
770-528-1444 | www.MariettaCobbArtMuseum.org


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Free Oil Painting Demonstration in Atlanta




On Saturday, June 17 Charles will be doing a free oil painting demonstration as part of the Summer Creative Showcase put on by Binders Art Supplies in Atlanta.

From 2:00 to 4:00 while painting, he will be discussing ideas useful to artists - solid information for painters to use, not flashy tricks.

Binders Art Supplies
Peachtree Piedmont Crossing 
3330 Piedmont Road, Atlanta GA
888-472-6866

Saturday, April 22, 2017

"She Beguiles in Red" at OPA National Exhibition


"She Beguiles in Red"  30 x 20  oil

We're so excited that Charles was once again chosen as a finalist in the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils! "She Beguiles in Red" will hang with the 220 other finalist paintings at Eisele Gallery of Fine Art in Cincinnati, Ohio from May 12 - June 24, 2017.

The entire exhibition is currently available to view online on both the gallery's website and OPA's website:
- the exhibition on Eisele Gallery's website
- the exhibition on Oil Painters of America's website

----------------------------------------------

Oil Painters of America
2017 National Juried Exhibition
May 12 - June 24, 2017
opening reception - Friday May 12, 6-9 pm
Eisele Gallery of Fine Art
Cincinnati OH |513-791-7717

Saturday, March 18, 2017

"Amethyst" wins Second Place at AIS Small Works Showcase

"Amethyst"   16 x 12,  oil


"Amethyst" has been awarded Second Place at the American Impressionist Society's Small Works Showcase!

A huge thank you to awards judge Peggi Kroll Roberts and award sponsors AIS and Art Cantina. Ms. Roberts specifically commented on Amethyst's visual power from a distance and exciting color vibrations:

"This work struck me very strongly from a distance. It has a very strong control of separation of light and shadow, but you still see broken color within the shapes. The figure is well drawn, great proportion, and the color vibrations are very exciting and close in value."

We weren't present at the exhibition's opening reception, but thanks to enterprising AIS staff, a video of the awards ceremony was posted to Facebook. The above photo is also courtesy of AIS, one of many exhibition photos available on their Facebook page.

The exhibition hangs until March 25 at Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, CA.

--  American Impressionist Society on Facebook - for opening reception photos and video
--  American Impressionist Society's webpage



Sunday, March 5, 2017

Sketches and Studies Now Available For Purchase


I've finally convinced Charles to let go of some of his smaller pieces, and as a result we now have a new page on the website! Sketches and studies are now available for purchase.

Visit us today and find your new favorite small painting.

All transactions are handled through DailyPaintworks.com and Paypal, two very trustworthy business partners.


Saturday, February 25, 2017

"Amethyst" a Finalist in AIS Small Works Showcase


"Amethyst"   16 x 12   oil
In just a few weeks the American Impressionist Society will open their Inaugural Impressions Small Works Showcase. We are quite honored that "Amethyst" will hang in this exhibition amongst the 200+ other selected works measuring 12x16 or smaller.

The exhibition opens on March 11 at Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa CA. The paintings juried into the show are now available to view on the AIS website.

-- American Impressionist Society website
-- view the AIS Impressions Small Works Showcase
-- Randy Higbee Gallery website

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American Impressionist Society
AIS Impressions Small Works Showcase
March 11-25, 2017
Randy Higbee Gallery
102 Kalmus, Costa Mesa CA 92626
800-506-7624


Friday, January 20, 2017

New Work: "Amethyst"


"Amethyst"   16 x 12   oil

This new painting has so much energy!
A friend on Facebook commented that it seemed he could hear the molecules buzzing. Wow!

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Art Muse Contest Winners Exhibition

"Limelight"   10 x 5   oil

Our wonderful little monochrome painting "Limelight" has received a special invitation to be part of the upcoming Art Muse Contest Winners Exhibition.

"Limelight" was an Art Muse Contest finalist this past September.

The Art Muse Contest Winners Exhibition is hosted by Jack Meier Gallery in Houston TX and opens on February 17, 2017. Contact the gallery for purchase information.

-- Art Muse Contest website
-- Winners Exhibition at Jack Meier Gallery


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Art Muse Contest Winners Exhibition
Feb. 17 - Mar. 3, 2017
Jack Meier Gallery
2310 Bissonnet, Houston TX 77005
713-526-2983