Rod Charlesworth

Canadian [b. 1955]

Rod Charlesworth is best known for his vibrant depictions of the Canadian wilderness and whimsical portrayals of childhood. Born in Northern British Columbia in 1955, Charlesworth moved with his family to the Okanagan Valley at the age of seven, where his early passion for painting and drawing began to flourish. Today, he continues to live and work in the Okanagan, drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes of both Western and Eastern Canada.

Initially influenced by surrealism, Charlesworth began formal art training at Okanagan University College in the 1970s. During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for the Canadian landscape and discovered the works of the Impressionists, which shaped the evolution of his current style. His work is marked by bold colours, expressive brushwork, and a deep exploration of the physical qualities of paint. The art of Tom Thomson and The Group of Seven has had a lasting influence on his practice, but despite his training, Charlesworth considers himself a largely self-taught artist.

Rod Charlesworth’s paintings are featured in numerous private and corporate collections across Canada and the United States. He is represented by respected commercial galleries throughout Canada. His commitment to capturing Canadian cultural identity is evident in both his dramatic landscapes and his nostalgic scenes of children at play. His artwork often evokes a strong emotional connection to place, inviting viewers to engage with the land not just visually, but emotionally.

Deeply aware of the rich history of Canadian landscape painting, Charlesworth offers a contemporary yet respectful interpretation of the genre. His paintings celebrate the beauty and spirit of Canada’s natural environment. Through unique mark-making and colour theory, he brings to life mountains at dusk, sunlit lakes, and vibrant coastal villages. For Charlesworth, the creative process is as important as the subject matter, and he uses colour and texture to capture the fleeting essence of each scene.

“In my paintings I try to evoke feelings and emotions about places, instead of rendering strict analytical representations of them. I use colour as a structural tool to bring out what I feel is essential in terms of light, dark, cool and warm. This in turn brings out the spirit of the painting,” says Charlesworth.