Charles Nowell: Biography

Cherry Trio
14 x 20

Charles Nowell was born in 1966 in Groveland, Massachusetts. He began drawing avidly as a young child and usually looked to the visual world around him as a source of subject matter as he continues to do today. After high school, he was frustrated with the curriculum at the art schools he attended and sought out a more disciplined approach. He took up an apprenticeship with Boston School artist Paul Ingbretson who gave him the kind of academic training that has passed down from 19th century painters such as Ingres, Degas, and John Singer Sargeant.

After four years of these classical studies, Nowell began a successful career painting traditional still-life, having a string of one man shows while still in his twenties. In 1992, he moved to Maine and started a family. The beauty of the state proved an inspiring backdrop for the serious work of the next few years.

However, as the calendar moved into the 21st century, Nowell felt the need for a change in his work. He devoted most of his time to experimenting with new mediums, styles and subject matters. Before long, it was clear that fruits and flowers were the subjects he enjoyed most, and that highly rendered realism was where his talent lay. But the need to create work that was more contemporary and fun led him to simplify his compositions and paint larger than life. These canvases grew bolder in color and contrast as well as more idealized in their execution. He now continues to paint both the traditional works as well as the modern ones and enjoys the diversity it allows him.

Nowell's artwork is intended to be enjoyed as one would enjoy a glass of fine wine. The paintings should stimulate the senses, invite commentary and conversation, and finally provide a place for the mind to relax and enjoy.