Charles White’s tranquil landscapes reflect decades of quiet artistic mastery

CLAYTON, CA (June 26, 2025) — When I met with Charles H. White, the celebrated landscape painter whose tranquil scenes have found homes around the world, I wasn’t quite prepared for how humble and soft-spoken he’d be.

With over five decades of painting experience, thousands of artworks sold, and a portfolio that spans continents, White is a master of his craft – but you’d never hear that from him.

Instead, he smiles gently, brushes his hand across a portfolio of work and begins the story in the most modest of ways.

“My first customer was my aunt,” he said, eyes crinkling at the memory. “She bought a painting I’d done of the Rockies. Paid me $15. And then, she bought me more art supplies so I could keep going.” He pauses. “That was everything to me back then.”

Born in Quebec, Canada, in 1943, White’s love for art emerged early – by age six, he was sketching wildlife in pencil and ink. By 12, he was experimenting with oil paints, finding himself drawn to the way light moved across landscapes.

Throughout his teens, he sold paintings, gaining confidence one brushstroke at a time.

But life took a practical turn after he earned his degree from Brigham Young University in 1967. He pursued a 20-year career in sales, all while continuing to paint in his free time. It wasn’t until 1994, when the income from his art surpassed his corporate salary, that he made a life-changing decision.

“I remember looking at the numbers and thinking, ‘Well … I guess I’m a full-time artist now,’” he laughed. “It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.”

Since then, White has never looked back.

His body of work is steeped in calm and clarity – misty forest paths, sunlit gardens, peaceful meadows – all rendered in rich, layered oil techniques that seem to glow from within. His process is slow, meditative and deliberate.

“I build-up the color in thin layers,” he explains. “It’s time-consuming, but it creates depth and luminosity. I want people to feel like they could walk right into the scene.”

And they do.

White’s work has appeared in galleries from Carmel to New York, featured in national publications like US Art, Art Trends and Art Business News. He’s been named an “Artist to Watch,” was a three-time finalist in the Arts for the Parks competition, and has sold over 8,000 originals and prints in the past 15 years alone.

But even with that success, White remains grounded. Teaching, he said, is one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.

“I’ve taught classes in Danville and Clayton. It’s wonderful to watch someone fall in love with painting – to see them unlock something they didn’t know was there.” His eyes brighten. “It reminds me why I started.”

In 2011, he compiled his artistic journey into a book, “The Path Worth Taken,” part memoir, part artistic philosophy. It’s filled with personal stories, thoughts on the creative process, and of course, his luminous artwork.

“The title says it all,” he reflects. “It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. Every moment spent painting, teaching, learning – it’s the path I was meant to take.”

Bay Area locals can experience White’s work up close. His paintings can be seen at JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton, Blackhawk Gallery in Danville, Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek and a premier gallery in Carmel.

Spending time with Charles White feels like stepping into one of his landscapes – calm, thoughtful, full of light. His art reminds us to slow down, look closer and find peace in the quiet places.

And perhaps, like that aunt who bought his first painting, we’ll leave inspired to help something beautiful grow.

Email comments for Julia O’Reilly at joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com.