Charles Allen LaRue
Artist Statement
Charles is a born and bred Michigander. He was born in Tawas City; grew up in South Haven and moved to Grand Rapids to attend the Kendall College of Art & Design. He continues to reside in Grand Rapids and maintains a large studio space there. After graduating from art school, Charles worked in commercial art for a time, while also developing his vision and skills as a Fine Arts painter. He transitioned to the latter as soon as he was able to.
Charles had been in the stable of many galleries over time but now displays his work by invitation only at a variety of art spaces as a solo artist, participant in group shows, artist in residence, and benefits. Additionally, he worked as a contract art instructor for the undeserved, conducted private classes, workshops, demonstrations, and group instruction. He has studied visual perception and has given slideshow talks on this subject, especially as it pertains to art and artists. Charles partners with art consultants who get his work installed in various medical facilities, clinics and centers. He also has a gallery component for his studio, where he displays work for public perusal. He keeps a sketchbook handy for his travels locally or out of state.
In his studio, he converts his pen drawings into colorful and playful finished paintings, using the fast-drying oils that he favors. His true subject matter is the aesthetic elements that compose the identifiable components in his paintings. Charles has worked in numerous public, private, and corporate collections. He experiences great joy in the picture-making process and hopes that the viewers of his work find some of that joy too.
Venues
