Visit the Studio with Charles Basman

There’s a feeling around Charles Basman’s work that he exists within another time –– an imaginary, better past filled with classical statues and more gentlemanly pursuits. As a classically trained painter working in oil, inspired by mythology and portraitist John Singer Sargent, Charles’s work evokes the timeless, the classic, and the ancient.

Join us as Charles takes us on a classy journey through his studio as painter and printmaker.

What materials do you use? And why?

The main medium for creating my work is oil paint. I am very fond of the richness, variety of color and texture I can achieve with oils. What amazes me about oil paint is how I can either paint in rich impasto, which is very thick paint, or create subtle variations of shade using very little color. There's no end to the choices of greens you can use when painting a landscape!

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many different places. I am certainly influenced by many artists I admire, such as the beauty of a John Singer Sargent, or the decorative elegance of Gustav Klimt. I am also Influenced by mythology and literature at times, which comes through in some of my figurative work and my lithographs. Myths to me convey so many different meanings and morals that have been passed down thousands of years, which to an artist like myself, offer many visual ideas and inspiration.

Do you work at a particular size or scale? Why?

I usually vary the size of my work. If I'm feeling ambitious, I work very large. Working large allows a certain freedom and power and it's great for letting go in a painting. It can be physically exhausting as well, and I can remember working on a large mural which was both a wonderful experience and completely a challenge. Sometimes intimate, small work can also be very beautiful, like a small jewel. In a small work, all the elements have to fit in and work harmoniously. For instance, its quite wonderful to paint large mountains on a small painting, and yet still make them look grand.

Which artists most inspire you and your work?

There are many different artists that inspire me, but the main artists as I admire are Gustav Klimt, John Singer Sargent, and Anders Zorn. The loose, expressive quality of their work inspires me to be bolder and more expressive in my own work. Anders Zorn, for example, who was a Swedish painter, has a power of color and a painterly quality that certainly has an influence on my own work, especially my landscapes.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a large lithograph, which is an image drawn on stone and printed on a large press. The process dates back hundreds of years and hasn't really changed. Since the press required for lithography is so large, I go to a studio. The image I'm currently working on represents Spring. I was inspired by medieval work for this lithograph, which is one of the largest lithographs I have ever created. I may also add color to it at some point, which is a long process and must be done separately, on a different stone, or plexiglass plate.

Do you balance another job in addition to being an artist?

Like many other artists in New York, I work at a major art museum. I’m very fortunate to work in such a place that offers me so much inspiration. I'm constantly surrounded by masterpieces in a beautiful setting that give me more reason to create.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this special peek into Charles' creative environment! Even in a virtual age, we encourage all budding collectors to take the time to connect with the artists you love directly.

We want to remind you of our awesome artist messaging feature directly on the Art in Res site––reach out now and foster that creative energy! Have more questions for Charles on his art and practice? Follow up with him directly via our messenger. We know he’ll be thrilled to answer any questions you might have. Ask about a specific painting or about his specific process in general––either approach works!