Out of all upcoming artists in the industry, there is one that stands out amongst the rest. Unlike no other typical artist, John Charles. Self-taught artist from Kirkby Liverpool is currently capturing the hearts of his many fans and aspiring young artists. He likes to describe himself as ''Just a lad from Liverpool who loved art as a kid''. 

With his amazing range of vibrant, meaningful artwork he takes the viewer on a journey of his intriguing story and how he came to find a new positive outlook in life through art. His artist statement on display to view in his exhibition, outlines the history behind his work. Explaining his past wasn't always as bright as it was now. 

John was a young boy who had always loved art and had a creative flame within him. As he grew up he began to stray away from his passion for art and came accustomed to a poor decision making kind of lifestyle. Where he lost his love for art and gained a love for drink and drugs. In the past he was at a very dark difficult time in his life. However it would all turn around for John at the age of 27. When John reached 27 he decided he would alter his ways. He set out to find a new positive outlook and turn his life around. He decided to pursue the artistic flame he had inside him as a young boy and once again reached for his paints and brushes. He began a new chapter of his life, this time, with a new addiction. Art!

I myself really relate to John Charles as an artist and that's why I chose him as my topic of research. When listening to his story i found it had a very similar relation to my own life story. With having a strong passion  for art as a little girl and giving it up as i got older, not always making the correct decision, personal struggles and going through a really dark rough time myself, I once again found a positive mindset on life through my artwork and picking my sketch book up again. Through his art he tells us his amazing journey of his background story and shows us how he got where he is today. He provides huge inspiration for his viewers with proof that dark times and struggles don't last forever. You cant help but smile when viewing his work when seeing what good that has come for this artist. He truly portrays the message that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

In the St Helens world of glass museum, John Charles' artwork is on display to the public in his very own solo exhibition. Here you can grasp the characteristics of johns work and be taken on an unpressured meditative experience of his life story. Johns body of work consists of large canvas paintings constructed beautifully by the palette knife technique. When Interpreting his meanings and emotions within the art you can really comprehend his ideas behind each painting. you truly get to sense its magnitude and ultimately gain insight to johns creative ingenuity. Johns work captures the heart of many young artists and viewers, including myself by portraying his inner dark emotions in his work, emotions in which I think we can all relate to. To see someone release there inner feelings and troubles, also to see it done so brilliantly through his art really provides the viewer with such an important message, that everyone can find a positive way to release the emotions we all have as humans and that you can turn a negative period of your life around just as John did himself.

John Charles' Instagram provides personal context and shows the methods behind this artists madness. He uploads stories of his step by step progress of constructing a piece of art in his studio. The story I found to be most inspiring was where he covered an old piece of his work with white paint and labelled it;- its never to late to start over. this is also added to his highlights and you can really comprehend his intention to show the message behind this. That its never too late to start over with a piece of art, as well as its never too late to start over in life. You get the sense that John has a huge place in his heart for his family. He includes his wife and his daughter a lot throughout his social media. He idolises his daughter Emmy and you can see it throughout his personal posts. Emmy even has her own personal artwork hanging in her dads solo exhibition. When looking through Johns Social media you can sense he has quite the knack for painting various animals. Lions are the animals that seem to stand out a lot in Johns artwork, he has created various different lion paintings, all showing wildness, boldness and fierceness, perhaps portraying his inner emotions at this peak in his career. 

John is a artist from Kirby Liverpool and you get the sense he is proud of his roots. The theme of his home town, Liverpool is included a lot throughout his artwork. You really sense this in his artwork such as all you need is love, the liver bird statue, the Liverpool Anglican cathedral, a portrait of Jurgen Klopp, john Lennon and the Beatles.

John Charles has had many highlights throughout his career. As well as collecting his many achievements, He is always inspiring and helping others. He invests a huge amount of his time dedicated to helping the younger generation and also raising money for charity events
In February 2018 John held an event in which 180 children from Malvern Primary school had the pleasure of meeting John and having an arts session with him. John taught the children how to create space scenes using spray paint. The teachers said it was an absolutely fantastic day for the kids. 

For the charity event Radio City Cash for Kids, john produced a spectacular portrait for the international music superstar Jess glynne - this was signed personally by himself and Jess Glynne. On the 7th December 2018 it was auctioned off at the Radio City Charity launch with Carolyn Hughes. The following year John dedicated himself to exclusively working with Radio City Cash for Kids, helping raise money for an amazing local charity with his artwork.

John Charles has also worked with the global superstar Paloma faith and created her portrait in his fantastic quirky palette knife style of artwork. This painting was commissioned by AAA sports Memorabilia (Richie and Joe Morgan) who in turn donated it to Carole Claire who runs Radio City Cash for Kids charity. Paloma Faith signed the portrait and it was then auctioned off in December 2018 to also raise money for the Cash for Kids charity . 

He has many achievements to date. In 2018 he won a highly recommended award for his self portrait titled - ''7 years'' and had his art featured in two exhibitions of his home town of Liverpool. In December 2018 he was commissioned to do a piece for a collector in NYC. In July 2019 John made it into the final of The Positive Awards 2019 under the WOW category. As well has his solo exhibition in St Helens, he has also been involved in other exhibitions this year. This of which is a joint exhibition with another Artist from Liverpool, the exhibition will run from the 30th august to the 12th October at the Dot-Art Gallery, Liverpool. There are also announcements that John will have his work on display at Studio 2 Parr Street on the 24th August, here you will be able to view johns previous art as well as some unseen art on display. 

Johns is work is now selling via the Dot-Art Gallery in Liverpool and has his prints also shipped worldwide. He provides buyers and collectors with a limited edition art prints available via his website. He also has a catalogue of original art that he releases over time. On the 1st of august Johns work from the St Helens World of Glass Solo exhibition will also be up for grabs all available via his website www.johncharlesart.bigcartel.com 

Upon discovering how John Charles has made such a positive turn around on his life and seeing what this artist has achieved. It massively inspires many young artists, including myself, to continue pursuing a dream for a career in art. He provides a clear positive message not only for other artists but also for his many other viewers. That be in terms of a canvas painting or with a bad life situation, its never too late to start over. Its great to see such a inspirational, positive role model for others making such a fantastic impact in the industry!