How does having creative freedom affect our ideas and artwork?
Charlie French is an abstract artist. Working predominantly in acrylic paint he creates free, intuitive, colourful compositions. His studio is a therapeutic space, somewhere he can be free to paint without fear, let go and paint, expressing his happiness through his work.
Watch the video below and answer the following questions to begin exploring the work of Charlie French.
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Charlie French
“I embrace a blank canvas with a sense of wonder and adventure.”
Charlie French is an abstract painter, living in London.
Website
In the Fathoms Below, copyright Charlie French
“What inspires you?”
“I am asked that question a lot. And I think there are obvious ones you see in my series: Disney movies, music, the ocean, the beautiful world I see, my happy memories and an imagination that cracks me up.
And lots of times I am inspired simply by my love of COLORS and SHAPES. I pick my colour palette and just paint.
The truth is that every day is different. But I am most happy when I can walk up to a canvas and let go. I am free. Freedom in life is very important. Don’t you think, Friends???”
Copyright Charlie French
Copyright Charlie French
Questions to Ask Children
How would you describe Charlie’s work?
How does it make you feel?
How would you describe the colours?
Charlie thinks it’s important to feel free and have the space to explore in your artwork. Would you agree? Have you ever felt like that? How do you think he lets himself feel like that?
When Charlie puts the paint on the canvas, what kinds of movements does he make with his body? Can you do “air painting” and move your arm as you think he did to apply the paint? Stand up!
This Talking Points Is Used In…
Pathway: Expressive Painting
This is featured in the ‘Expressive Painting’ pathway
using sketchbooks to make visual notes
Show me what you see
