Looking Back Longingly

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Story and artwork from Charles Gilliam

My name is Charles “Chuck” Gilliam. I was born into a military family which offered me an opportunity to travel and see much of this country. These travels afforded me a great source of materials on which I have based my illustrative works. After many years of working as a professional illustrator and graphic designer, I have found himself in a position of determining images to tell a story.

I consider my work “Illustrative,” rather than “Realism.” I want each of my paintings to illustrate the beauty that is around us, whether in the people we meet or the beauty of nature. I want each painting to convey a story, one that the viewer can write themselves when they look at my work. I want each painting to look real but not to the point of being called photo-realism. I utilize old-world master’s techniques into my paintings and believe these applications create a distinctive look to my work.

Drawing, painting, designing, writing, teaching, all of these and more make up my life. Moving forward with my work, expanding my world; looking for new ideas for paintings or writings. I am also expanding my use of mediums. I find that working in many mediums has given me the opportunity to recognize and create the beauty in the world around us. Inspiration and creativity drive me on.