Abstract painter, Charlie Bluett, is known for his affinity for the natural world. Based in Vermont, he is a sea glass collector and is constantly inspired by his collection, as well as his various beach treasures. His pieces are stunning focal points that provide a moment of peace and serenity for the viewer. Fluid and translucent shapes float and drift on top of one another, depicting the ebb and flow of life. Influenced by artists like Rothko, Andy Goldsworthy and Vicente, Bluett is continually pushing the elements of his process.
Take a look inside Charlie Bluett’s studio and learn more about his influence and creative philosophy.
“Finding various beach treasures as I call them, can over a few hours of strolling result in the best downtime and ideas for my work.” -Charlie Bluett
What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t painting?
CB: When I get a free moment from painting or am on a road trip delivering my art, my absolute favorite past time is to stop at various coastal locations and beach-comb for sea glass, stones and pebbles and driftwood. The tranquility and switch off time as I wander along the varied coastlines of this amazing country is so blessed to have, and is a huge influence on my work. On longer breaks, I may also have time to play with the sand itself, using my hands to shape and form abstract elements into the beach and leaving the object to be reclaimed by the tides to come. Highly therapeutic!
“As I paint I learn, and discover new ways of approaching a blank canvas.” -Charlie Bluett
CB: I started painting as a child, but truly took it up while studying at Eton College in England back in the late 70’s. As a serial entrepreneur with a variety of non-related start ups created over my life, I had always had a constant yearning to be a professional artist. It took time to take that final step, and perhaps I needed to go through these other parts of my life and build up the experiences I needed to take on this journey and become the artist I am so fortunate and so cherished being today. Sometimes I think it happens this way in life.
My earliest influences having studied art history as a school child, were the likes of Mark Rothko, Joan Miro and Alexander Calder. Perhaps my greatest influence is Andy Goldsworthy, as his work is all about the natural world. The shapes and forms he creates allow true imagination to soar and produce an enormous sense of being and beauty. Quite exceptional, in my opinion.
My work, I believe, is constantly evolving and changing in different ways because I like to experiment and try different genres of painting. Although I currently have certain styles for which I am recognized as doing, I feel this will come morph and evolve to compliment my work already achieved. A close friend in the art world once told me that he loved what I am creating today and so looks forward to seeing where I will be with my work style in 10 years… I too am excited by this thought.
The seasons in Vermont are a huge influence on all genres of my work, and I get to see these every day. There is such a range from the changing light and skies, shifts in temperature, blizzards, to summer evenings when fireflies dance through the garden. My environment is crucial to my work and I hope this is visible in what you see. I see all of this from my studio windows.
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Bluett: View More Work l Meet the Artist l On the Wall