“The roads less traveled” is the new art exhibit you can admire in the Commons for the next two months (August – September).

This is Charles Scogins’s collection of work both plein air and studio of people and places over his 60 years he has  been painting.

Check out his story below! 

When asked, “how did I become an artist” often I answer, that “I came out of the womb with crayons”.

That seems to be nearest the truth as my drive and passion to create has always been there. I’ve had the good fortune to pursue a life following that passion and am deeply greatful for it.

Credit for my good fortune has to go to my home room teacher in middle school who encouraged my parents to find outside art instruction for me. Without her efforts its unlikely I would have had the opportunities to study, work and grow as an artist. Her efforts led me to study with Antonio Mani an Italian-American portrait painter who taught me the importance of the fundamentals of drawing, color and composition. I apprenticed studying portraiture under his direction for 3 years and still feel his infuence in my lifes work.

I served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War and used the GI Bill to enroll in the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. I graduated with a BFA in illustration and advertising. While there I gained a certification in medical and scientific illustration from San Francisco State University. Those experiences allowed me to study under many talented artist and gain the technical facility needed to pursue a career as an illustrator, designer and art director. I worked for a variety of publishers and advertising agencies for the next 25 years until I retired. Being in my mid 40’s I returned to painting which led me to teaching as well.

The past 20 years has given me an opportunity as a painter to create portraits and commissioned works and share my passion with others as a teacher and mentor. I now try and paint or draw everyday and offer workshops on plein air, portraiture and figurative painting as well as mentor artists online. I’m always happy to share my experience and journey as an Artist.

Contact details: 

Halcyon Blue Studios
5811 22nd Ave.
Valley Alabama 36854
[email protected]