A great plein air painter has left us - Charles Sovek

[cunparis]

This morning I got an email saying Sovek's website (http://www.sovek.com/) had been updated. I subscribed to alerts via email because I always love to see his new paintings on his website, which he updated quite often and I always want to see them as soon as possible.

So I was really shocked today to read this:

CHARLES P. SOVEK
March 23, 1937 – June 8, 2007

We are deeply saddened to report that Charles Sovek passed away unexpectedly on June 8th. Our plans are to keep his memory and artwork alive through this website, but please be patient as we work through this difficult time.

Charles was the single biggest influence to me. Having never taken a workshop or lessons, I attribute almost everything I know about painting to him. I learned so much from his books and also from the lessons on his website. He even answered questions by email. It was my goal to some day take a workshop with him.

Charles was always an advocate of painting from life, be it still life or plein air. All the outdoor paintings you find on his website were done plein air. It was his insistence on painting from life that got me away from painting from photographs and that got me to set up still lifes for the exercises in "Oil Painting: Develop Your Natural Ability". And it was his beautiful paintings of Paris that motivated me to take my easel to the Seine and attempt to paint one of the same scenes. As I looked out at the Seine and the scene before me, it was then that I realized Charles was really a master. You can see his painting here: http://www.sovek.com/gallery/recent/...002/paris5.htm. The color and energy he captured in this painting is simply beautiful. Charles didn't just paint what was before him, he made the paintings. And made the most beautiful paintings of Paris that I've ever seen. I've seen a lot of paintings of Paris but only Charles' capture what Paris is to me.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who will miss Charles, so if he's inspired you let everyone know how. This thread can serve as a tribute to Charles.

-Michael

[Wyn Easton]

I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. I've looked-up to Charles since I started painting. He inspired me and gave me hope.

No other teacher taught me more than Charles Sovek. He gave guidance and advise freely. I will miss him deeply.

This picture was taken at one of his workshops in 2005.

[cunparis]

Originally Posted by Wyn Easton

This picture was taken at one of his workshops in 2005.

Wyn, thank you very much for posting the photo from the workshop. I love to see photos from his workshops because I can see his painting in progress, something that I rarely get to see. If you have any more I'd love to see them. Same for everyone else. In fact, if there is interest I could compile a collection and make them available on my website.

-Michael

[JanB]

OH! The world has lost a truly inspired artist and a wonderful giving person! I took two workshops with him in 2005 and was planning on taking a third this summer! Two days ago I pulled his book Catching Light in Your Paintings off my bookshelf to re-read, it's sitting here on the desk next to me. So sad! He was a teriffic teacher, supportive and encouraging, patient with beginners and always encouraging you to find your own artistic voice. It was an amazing thing to watch him paint with such ease and joy! His ability to nail a value and to harmonize color was outstanding. He was down to earth with a wry sense of humor and didn't take himself too seriously! He will be missed!!!

[Donald_Smith]

I've admired his work and his teaching skills. I've read all the instructions I could find on his web page and hope I've learned from them. I've looked for his books but not found them yet. He will be missed.

Don

[cunparis]

Originally Posted by Donald_Smith

I've admired his work and his teaching skills. I've read all the instructions I could find on his web page and hope I've learned from them. I've looked for his books but not found them yet. He will be missed.

Don

Don,

You can order reprints of his books on his website (http://www.sovek.com/publications/books/index.htm) although you probably want to wait a while.

I found mine on ebay. I got them cheaper and I got the real versions (full color). So I suggest this route. I wasn't that picky about the condition because I figured I'd never sell them. They will be passed on to my children once they learn to paint.

-Michael

[canvasishome]

Michael,

We must have been on the same wavelength today as I also saw the sad news about Charles.

I took a workshop from him back in 2001 and it was a true highlight of my life. As I've noted many times before, I think he is a modern master and his death is a tremendous loss to the art world.

I had put photos of my workshop up here a while back. You may want to search the archives to see if they are still around (in Oil Painting forum). I can put them up again, if people are interested.

What a sad day indeed.

-dk-

[LarrySeiler]

Hey Michael...thanks for bringing this to our attention...
and we are the richer for such good painters having been among us, teaching and enrichening our world.

It is a sad time...and in these days, 70 years is 70 years young. Too young.
A tribute to the man, one most of us will never experience ourselves...is the spanse of this world's artists familiar, also appreciative of Charles. We are better for him having been here, gracing us...and that is a mighty fine thing that could be said for anyone.

peace

[blondheim12]

This is a terrible loss for the painting world. He was a remarkable, gifted and generous man.

Love,
Linda

[beachluvr]

I'm quite sad to hear this news.
I posted the news in the oil painting forum "What's on Your Easel."
Wyn and I took that workshop together (that's the back of my head in the photo) and I know he'll agree with me that Charles was just a great guy. He was funny, energetic, always gentle with his critiques and had a real "joie de vivre." I found out about him one day when I 'stumbled" upon his website.
He was a colorist to the max and his brightly colored paintings are what drew my attention in the first place. I learned a lot from him and I have used a quote from him as my signature line since I first started posting on wet canvas.


My husband went with me to that workshop and actually filmed him doing a demo of a painting that Wyn eventually acquired. I'll watch that again today to just be able to see him again.
Our condolensces to his wife, Peg, His children and grandchildren. As Larry Said, 70 is much too young.
Here's one of my fave photos from the workshop. Charles with his morning coffee!

[beachluvr]

more photos

[beachluvr]

still more

Jeffrey Swaluk, charles, Me

Class at chatham -Wyn Easton on left of pic.
charles painting figure at chatham center for arts.

teaching point at chatham center.

charles and his portrait of Mary Carroll which I acquired after the class.

As you can see , I'm a fierce picture taker. I'm happy to have these memories of a wonderful workshop!

[JamieWG]

OMG, how terribly sad. He has been such an inspiration to me, though I've never met him in person. I have first editions of all his books, and have completed nearly all the painting studies in his book "Oil Painting: Develop Your Natural Ability", which IMO is one of the best painting method books available. I've always admired his work. His exciting color and ability to simplify made his paintings sparkle with energy.

Jamie

[Wyn Easton]

I found one more picture that Kay Crain sent me from our workshop with Charles.
It is my favorite one. It's not a very good picture of Charles, but my expression shows just how I felt when I was around him. He was signing the painting I just bought from him. I look like a kid about to get a Christmas present.
Charles was a gift to us all. Everyone felt that way. He loved to paint and to share himself and what he knew. I miss him already.

[Rene']

Again sad news, ...... I knew Charles from the
Dutch community of plein air painters, he was a honoured member
there and I visit many times his website with his nice "Lessons from the easel".

A men who loved live I guess, and showed many people how beautiful this world is, ......