Charles Young Walls has been an artist all of his life, and art has always been in the forefront of his pursuits. He completed a BFA from Arizona State University after which, following years of artistic struggle, he finally found the training he was looking for. He studied art at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League, both in New York City. Continuing to hone his painting skills, Charles then spent a decade pursuing a successful career in illustration before returning to the field of fine art.
He enjoys a growing reputation as an award winning painter and has exhibited in numerous exhibitions in the South and nationwide. He received the Presidents' Award of Excellence at the 2015 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition and at the 2013 OPA National Exhibition he was awarded the John August Dietrich Memorial Figurative Award of Excellence. His work has been honored with the Gold Medal at both the 2015 OPA Salon Exhibition and most recently at the 2020 OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition.
Charles is a Signature Member of both Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society. He also holds membership with the Portrait Society of America, the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, and the California Art Club. Charles and his wife currently live in the Atlanta area.
Charles is represented by IX Gallery online.
“In this modern world of high speed everything, some things still take time. Invariably, these are the things of substance and lasting quality. I want my paintings to convey a deeper reality, not a photographic feel. Every painting I paint is a new avenue to explore, new ground to break. I pursue excellence and my personal best with each new work.”
Major Awards
Oil Painters of America, Fall Online Showcase, 2023 - Third Place Signature Division
National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, Associate Members Online Exhibition, 2022 - Award of Excellence
Portrait Society of America, 24th Annual International Portrait Competition, 2022 - Select 50 Work of Distinction
Oil Painters of America, Fall Online Showcase, 2021 - First Place Signature Division
National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, Spring Online International Exhibition, 2021 - Best in Show
National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, Fall Online International Exhibition, 2020 - Award of Excellence
Oil Painters of America, Eastern Regional Exhibition, 2020 - Gold Medal
Oil Painters of America, International Wet Paint Competition, 2020 - Award of Excellence
National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, Best of America National Exhibition, 2018 - Best Technique and Handling
Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Metro Montage XVIII, 2018 - Third Place
American Artists Professional League, 89th Grand National Exhibition, 2017 - Frank C. Wright Medal of Honor
American Impressionist Society, Inaugural Small Works Showcase, 2017 - Second Place
Oil Painters of America, Salon Exhibition, 2015 - Gold Medal
Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Metro Montage XV, 2015 - First Place
Oil Painters of America, 24th National Juried Exhibition, 2015 - Presidents’ Award of Excellence
Oil Painters of America, Summer Online Showcase, 2014 - Third Place
Oil Painters of America, 22nd National Juried Exhibition, 2013 - John August Dietrich Memorial Figurative Award of Excellence
Atlanta Fine Arts League, 4th National Juried Exhibition, 2010 - First Place
Art League of Hilton Head, National Juried Exhibition, 2009 - Third Place
Salmagundi Club, 31st Open Juried Painting Exhibition, 2008 - President’s Award
Atlanta Artists Center, 2nd Open Juried Exhibition, 2007 - First Place
Atlanta Fine Arts League, 1st National Juried Exhibition, 2006 - Third Place