Creating Visual Paths to the Viewer’s Inner Perception

By Oriana Parker

The paintings of Charlie Emmert challenge the viewer to look again and again. At first glance, you see the finished image.  However, with continued viewings, the outer layer becomes transparent and allows you to see into the next layer.  (Just as getting to know someone better reveals different aspects of their personality.)

Her technique of painting in layers allows Charlie to explore the essence of the person being captured on canvas. This “more than first meets the eye” quality is uniquely rewarding. You may be intrigued by how many resounding chords these painted images strike.  Surprised by how many thoughts, even emotions they inspire.

People are amazed by the depth of the feelings and range of experiences awakened by these works of art. “I want the viewer to engage in their own intellectual and emotional ‘dialogue’ with my paintings.  I do not want to tell them what to think, what to feel,” Charlie stresses. “Once I have finished with a piece, I no longer regard it as mine.  The heart and soul of it really belong to the viewer,” she adds.

Some compare these works to those of Cezanne, Soutine, and Kokoscha as well as Rouault.   Certainly Charlie’s dramatic use of color and bold execution are reminiscent of these masters.   Yet her paintings are unique and totally distinctive.

Until recently, those living in the Midwest have somewhat monopolized firsthand viewing of Charlie’s works.  Thanks to the Faust Gallery as well as the West Valley Art Museum (who will stage of solo exhibition of her paintings next spring), this situation has changed.  Much to the delight of art lovers living in or visiting the Southwest.

Especially those individuals who enjoy paintings that inspire the exploration of inner perception.