Charles Reid of international fame is a tall, quiet, gentle, man who exudes an air of being at peace with the world. A state of mind achieved in the knowledge of his incredible ability as a draftsman and painter that he shares with a humble kindness. It is a privilege to enjoy the company of this delightfully, unassuming artist, to watch his enviable talent as a painter and benefit from his teaching skills.
Charles Reid has long been considered a master of the medium of watercolor, and has written numerous books on the subject. His paintings are fresh and spontaneous, displaying his profound understanding of light and color and expert drawing ability. The viewer is immediately drawn into his rich compositions. His figures are beautifully rendered, in a simple, direct and natural, gestural manner that reveals his interest in painting the light as much as the person.
Charles was born in Cambridge, New York, and studied art at the University of Vermont at Montpelier and the Art Students League of New York. He has won numerous awards, including the Childe Hassam Purchase Prize at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and from the National Academy of Design and the American Watercolor Society. In 1980 he was elected an Associate of the National Academy of Design. Public collections of his work include Smith College, Yellowstone Art Center, Brigham Young College, Roche Corporation, and the National Academy of Design. In addition to painting, Charles teaches workshops around the world, and has written ten books on painting in watercolor and oil.
His latest book “Watercolour Solutions” is a gem, guiding both beginners and accomplished artists through every step towards painting in watercolour, contour drawing, figures, portraits, cityscapes, how to hold your brush, your palette, mixing colours… every basic but often forgotten tips you need to become a good artist.
His vast experience in the teaching field makes him a unique tutor full of wisdom and his critiques are spot on, encouraging students to go further. He’s a calm sensitive man with a lot of patience that manages to get the best out of every painter effortlessly.