CHARLIE MECKEL
Artist Statement
Though the world is constantly shifting, some things remain steadfastly in place. For oil painter Charlie Meckel, whose life has been full of change and movement, art has always been one of his important constants.
He says, “In the beginning I spent days and nights researching and perfecting my craft by studying other artist’s work, sketching, observing, and reflecting on how to convey certain themes, and experimenting with various media. Also, delving into arcane tomes on materials handling, binders, glues, varnishes, mediums, and pigments.”
Meckel has a rich inner life, portrayed in his paintings. His interest in nature and the human condition are especially present. He believes strongly that the physical forms of the subjects he paints are only “a conveyance of the spiritual essence.”
Meckel’s art has been influenced by the work of many masters of the past, including Neel, Wyeth, Cassat, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. His paintings have been praised as “highly expressive” and “soothing and moving.” One writer said, “Meckel is an artist of the western tradition. His thirst for knowledge and grasp of the sublime have led him to participate in an extensive and full lineage of traditional painting masters. He imbues each piece with deep observation, skill and aesthetic soul.” Meckel feels that his mission as an artist is to contribute to the continuing rich tradition of western representational oil painting that has inspired his own artistic journey.
He says, “In the beginning I spent days and nights researching and perfecting my craft by studying other artist’s work, sketching, observing, and reflecting on how to convey certain themes, and experimenting with various media. Also, delving into arcane tomes on materials handling, binders, glues, varnishes, mediums, and pigments.”
Meckel has a rich inner life, portrayed in his paintings. His interest in nature and the human condition are especially present. He believes strongly that the physical forms of the subjects he paints are only “a conveyance of the spiritual essence.”
Meckel’s art has been influenced by the work of many masters of the past, including Neel, Wyeth, Cassat, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. His paintings have been praised as “highly expressive” and “soothing and moving.” One writer said, “Meckel is an artist of the western tradition. His thirst for knowledge and grasp of the sublime have led him to participate in an extensive and full lineage of traditional painting masters. He imbues each piece with deep observation, skill and aesthetic soul.” Meckel feels that his mission as an artist is to contribute to the continuing rich tradition of western representational oil painting that has inspired his own artistic journey.
