Artist Profile

Charles Bentz has been drawing ever since he was able to hold a pencil in his hand. At the age of five, he won a drawing contest and immediately knew he would be an artist. He attended the School of Art & Design and has studied at Pratt and the Art Student’s League in New York, NY. Having made a living as an illustrator in the advertising industry for many years, he decided to retire and began his career as a fine artist. Currently Charles shares a studio with his artist wife, Rosetta, in Long Island City, New York. They were the featured artists in the January 2005 issue of Sunshine Artists magazine.

Charles regularly exhibits both locally and nationally. He was chosen to participate in the Washington Square “Small Works” Show, juried by Claudia Stone, Director of Allan Stone Gallery in New York, NY. It featured his painting, “Main Street Nantucket”. His painting process involves recapturing moments that pique his interest. His digital camera and sketch pad are constant companions along the path of his travels. The artist makes yearly pilgrimages to the island of Nantucket and has been doing so for the past 30 years. His paintings are full of the local flavor -- cobble-stoned Main Street, the beaches, the bicycle paths and the harbor. He also has a love for the West and Southwest of this great land of ours.

With all the technology, advancement and “noise” of the 21 st century, he strives to convey a quality in his work that is meditative and reminiscent of a quieter, simpler time of life and hopes to transport the viewer there.

Charles is a member of the distinguished Society of Illustrators and Long Island City Artists.