From Madison Avenue to The Holland Center
For 14 years, Larry Charles served as the worldwide creative director for the largest agency on Madison Avenue in New York City. His professional work is displayed at several touring museum exhibitions, and his commissioned work appears frequently in national magazines and books featuring the top designer homes in New York City. He previously served as president of the Scottsdale Artists’ School, and frequently lectures and writes articles for international art magazines.
Larry has been teaching art for over 30 years at museums, the Scottsdale Artists’ School, and various art gallery studios. Now, beginner artists can learn from Larry right here at The Holland Center.
He said he likes the challenge of showing beginner artists how to create realistic images. Some of his classes at The Holland Center have included how to paint desert landscapes, how to paint still life, and how to draw better.
Q&A with Larry
Where are you from and how does that affect your work? I was born in Indiana and spent most of my life in California and Manhattan, New York. I had absolutely no exposure to professional artwork in my hometown, but I was surrounded by it in Los Angeles and New York, of course. I quickly learned that realism was the way to go.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? John Singer Sargent, the photorealistists, and Andrew Wyeth.
Favorite medium? Watercolor; but, my gallery and museum shows have all been in oil because that is what the big collectors want.
Where do you find inspiration? Museums, art galleries, art magazines, and the classes at the Scottsdale Artists’ School.
Describe how art is important to a community. Art can be used as a form of expression to recognize heroes, agitate for social change, and broaden educational programs.
What motivates you to create? The joy of creating a recognizable image never grows old.
Where might we see you on a day off? I travel constantly. It’s one of the rewards of a well-lived life.
Interests/hobbies outside of art: I collect antique Native American pottery and draw cartoons and illustrated letters.
Skill you would like to improve? Cooking. Please explain what those other five settings on the microwave are for.
Person who has made a difference in your life: My fourth-grade teacher. She told me it was not realistic to have a career drawing pictures for cereal boxes.
