The Art Series

Growing up, I didn’t really get Art.  I was a scientist. I liked facts and figures.  Art was a bit, you know, a bit, well, wish-washy. I mean, I liked a nice picture as much as the next philistine. But I couldn’t analyse Art. I couldn’t look for subtle or deeper meanings. Yup, ok, nice pic. Move on. Scottish Highland Art wasn’t even on my radar.

Things have changed a bit over time. I still can’t get handwringingly introspective, looking at a picture. But I do appreciate art more. In my own, special, way.

Since we bought our home in Scottish Highlands, I have become quite a fan of Highland Art. Wifey says I am obsessive. She may be right. Certainly, I am on a mission to fill every available inch of wall space with pictures. And that’s how I met Charlie Roy.

The Wannabe’s Art

I may be more open to Art these days, but I have definite tastes. Landscapes are my thing. Highland landscapes in particular, especially those involving field sports.  I have many a happy memory of being out in the country on crisp winters days.  I guess these have shaped my tastes.

Hence, I set about starting a collection. Our dining room is now home to a collection of Victorian Highland landscapes, all oil on canvas. I am especially fond of the work by a gent called Francis E Jamieson.

Jamieson was a prolific artist. He could certainly rattle them out.  He started out late in the 19th Century and has a very distinctive if simple style.  He is also very affordable. As well as painting under his own name, he produced works under a bunch of pseudonyms. Legend has it, he was signed to a cabinet maker producing decorative panels. His employer wanted exclusivity so banned him from selling his work privately, so he would moonlight under his various presuonums.  An interesting guy, but more about him another day.

The drawing room is mainly water colors. Again, Mainly landscapes with a Scottish theme, but above the fireplace is a moody piece by a very talented artist called Charlie Roy.   Mr Roy had been recommended to me by Alan and Kerry at the Aberlour Still Life Gallery. These good folks do all the framing and restoration work for me. I was looking for a commission for a landscape scene I had in my head. This was a piece inspired by a Dutch artist, Lion A Feijen entitled ‘A winter Walk’. It’s still one of my favorite pieces, but is sadly out of my price range. But one day.

A Speyside Winter Walk

A Speyside Winter Walk. Art by Charlie Roy

Charlie and I discussed my idea. He had some good ideas of his own, once he knew what I wanted. I sent some pictures as reference and Charlie worked his magic.  I have to say, the scene wasn’t  exactly as I had pictured it in my head.  But I liked it. Best of all so did wifey, which was a relief.

Charlie delivered the framed painting by hand and helped us hang it. This gave me an opportunity to have a proper chat and get to know him better.

Over a beer, we discussed how he got into art. His passion for Prog Rock; something we have in common, plus life in general. I liked Charlie. I really liked his enthusiasm, his sense of humor and zest for life. It almost oozed out of him. He had such an intensity and passion for his work, I was soon caught up in it. We bounced ideas around.  Not only for paintings, but also for his  musical project, a Prog Rock Opera with a  working title, ‘Close to The Edge and Back Again’ and there is that sense of humor for all you Yes Fans.

Charlie Roy

Charlie Roy with favorite band and response

Charlie was born in Moray, or Banffshire as it was known then, so is a true local talent.  He started his working life as a baker. I have no doubt he would have been a fantastic baker had he stayed in that profession. As it is, he decided back in 1982, to hang up his apron and pick up a palette. I am very glad he did.

Like everyone, as he has matured as a person and an artist, Charlies tastes and style has changed.  As a jobbing artist, commissions are what keep you going. When I first checked him out, I naturally liked his landscapes and also the animal commissions he had completed. You can check out his work on Facebook.  More recently, Charlie has been able to find success and a great deal of satisfaction by combining his love of Music  with his art. His portraits of my hero’s such as Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree or the legends that are Rush, are incredible. It’s obvious he puts a lot of  effort into capturing the personality and essence of these rock legends.  I am sure this is helped by  a genuine enthusiasm for their music.

The Musician

As well as being a talented artist, Charlie is an accomplished musician. He is a leftie, but I don’t hold that against him.

Charlie and Mrs in Rachel and the Affair

We both share a taste for Progressive Rock and one of our common hero’s is Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree and Blackfield fame. ( He has also worked with or influenced a whole list of bands including King Crimson, Opeth, Yes, Marillion and a fist full more). I would love to spend some time jamming with Charlie and have offered my services on bass, should he get around to completing his Rock Opera.

Sadly, I am not around often enough in Scotland to make good on this. I don’t think Charlie plays much these days. He lost his guitar in a fire, more of which later. I suspect he doesn’t have the time given just how busy he is as an artist. However, after playing in his wife’s band “Rachel Aston and the Affair”, he certainly looked the part. I am sure I can talk him back into it once I finally get home.

Photorealism

Charlie Roy Photorealism

Some of the first pieces of Charlies work I viewed would, I guess, fall into the category of Photorealism. These were relatively early works whilst Charlie was honing his craft.  It’s not a style I particularly like. I have a collection of SLR cameras for this. Plus, the subject matter is often scenes I don’t particularly want to see. But then we have already established, I have zero credentials as an art critic.

There is no doubt Charlie nailed it and the skills he honed during this phase are evident today.  Whilst I may not like the style, I have to admire the detail and the precision of the work.  I wish my photography skills were as capable as Charlie at capturing the ‘feel’ of the subject.

Landscapes

Home with the Bag. By Charlie Roy

It was this gender that first attracted me to Charlie as an artist. I guess, I can see elements of his Photorealism in what he does, but this is more idealistic. Traditional if you will. And I am a traditionalist at heart.  To my philistine mind, this is what art is about. And Charlie does it well and in a style that appeals to me.

After the first commission, I had another burning idea. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t a million miles away from the first theme. Another artist I admire and have a few pieces by, is a guy called Colin Aldrich. He did a painting called ‘Beyond the Red Gate’. I really liked it, but it was sold. So, I got Charlie on the case.

Again, the result, shown opposite, wasn’t quite what I had envisaged. But again I really like what Charlie created.  This piece now adorns our hallway alongside pieces by Mr Aldridge and several other local and national artists.

The Fire

After the fire. Nothing left

Not long after I met Charlie, it was actually just before Christmas 2016, He suffered a major set back.  Charlie had been living off the grid to some extent.  Not trusting banks, being largely self sufficient, He had built his own house which was also his studio.  Pretty much all of his and his families possessions were in this house. And it burned down. Straw insulation meant it went up like a furnace. In a very short time, literally everything he had owned apart from the clothes he and his wife were wearing had gone. Art materials, completed works, commissions in progress, cash, everything. Gone.  It was a devastating blow.

However, Charlie is a popular guy and well known in the community. So friends, family and even strangers rallied around so that the family could have a Christmas and get back on their feet  There followed what was undoubtedly a painful period living in a trailer on the site of his former home. But, a mere 8 months later, Charlie had rebuilt his house and subsequently a new standalone studio.

The Portraits

Charlie Roy and Some of his Rock Legend Portraits

Looking for the upsides from a dark period. As well as  a new home and studio, Charlie also seems to have gained a renewed enthusiasm for his craft.  Particularly Portraits and especially Rock Portraits.

I have watched with a mixture of fascination and admiration as Charlie has produced these portraits. He has been prolific. I don’t think the man sleeps. And the quality. They are superb.

Best of all they are gaining Charlie some well deserved attention, including International attention.  I can’t see him upping sticks and moving to the other side of the pond just yet. But the success he is enjoying is well deserved and testimony to his talent and tenacity.

I really admire his spirit. To have come back from the disaster of losing everything. To have too rebuild literally everything. His house and his career and to do so with whilst retaining the same sense of humor and smile. I hope he goes from strength to strength.

I look forward to spending more time with Charlie.  He likes a beer as do I. We like the same music and I suspect we both have the same childish sense of humor.

I also look forward to more commissions with Charlie. I noticed a picture on his Facebook page today I really like but which was sold at an exhibition. Sounds like another commission opportunity coming on. Charlie?

Lab Portrait by Charlie Roy

Robert Fripp Portrait

Pheasants by Charlie Roy

Ozzy by Charlie

Farm Scene by Charlie Roy

Charlie Roy Country Scene

Another Steven Wilson Portrait

Charlie Roy Photrealism

Charlie Roy Winter Scene

Charlie Roy’s Rush Portrait

Charlie Roy with his portrait of Steve Wilson

Charlie and his offspring in Rock Star pose.

www.facebook.com/charlieroyart

Please contact him to discuss commissions of any type. he is nothing if not versatile and  as we have established, a very talented guy.