Femmes 43 Painting

Charlene's work has been shaped and informed by the people, lives and expressions around her. Over the years she has continually adapted and added new elements and influences, creating a unique and exciting style that reveals the inner beauty of her subjects. Because of her love of human expression she has gradually become more specialized in portraits. Charlene approaches each portrait by first taking a detailed series of photographs in a variety of locations which have meaning to the subject. She then creates an image that captures the essence and exclusive character of the individual. Her clear and powerful style is characterized by strong strokes with the pallet knife. The outcome of experimentation with many styles and media, her present technique creates portraits that leap at the viewer from the canvas in a riot of colour and expression. Her feeling for colour as an artist has been inspired by her years as a fashion designer. Charlene studied at some of the most prestigious art institutes in the Netherlands, including the Amsterdam Art/Fashion Institute, and has frequently worked with Holland's best-known creative talent (including the famous Dutch artist and musician Herman Brood). She holds membership in several exclusive European Art Societies, and her work has been shown internationally. Charlene's work is displayed and sold at several galleries in Europe and she made her American debut in 2009.