Charlotte Steel

Archangel Michael
Egg tempera on marine ply board
24 x 24 x 2 cm

Biography

I studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Royal Academy schools. Working from observation in the life room. I went on to painting portraits from life. On leaving London I worked directly in natural drawing trees and things in the landscape.

A group of students including myself initiated the Royal Academy Outreach Scheme on which I continued to teach for over 30 years. We shared drawing skills during Life Drawing Workshops to many thousands of young people from schools and colleges throughout the UK. Later, I also lead ‘in house’ workshops based on the current exhibitions at the RA. This necessitated researching diverse cultures and discussing them with different groups. Particular spiritual pieces still hold a deep resonance for me. Such objects share a similar spiritual aura to some icons.

Drawing and painting are a universal means of communication. We use them to convey all sorts of ideas, emotions and situations without language. Icons communicate spiritual truths without words through simple beauty.

St. Augustin 4CE argued that God communicates with us through the natural world and scripture. He thought that nature was a book to be read, looked at and respected.

“But ask the animals and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth and they will teach you. Who amongst all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this.” – Job 12:7-10

It is these things which motivate me and are at the forefront of my mind as I embrace the discipline of iconography.

Charlotte currently lives in London, is married with two grown up children and continues to teach on a freelance basis.

Historical teaching positions:

– 2005-2021 Royal Academy Workshop Leader-Teaching and creating art workshops based on exhibitions at the RA for Primary and Secondary students, teachers and Homeless groups
– 2001-2002 Wormwood Scrubbs Prison Art Teacher
– 1989-2020 Royal Academy One of the originators of the RA Outreach Programme -developing and teaching life drawing workshops in schools and colleges around the UK
– 1994-6 National Portrait Gallery Workshop Leader
– 1993-94 West Herts College A level Art teacher

Education Studied:

Royal Academy Schools and Chelsea School of Art

Exhibited at group shows including:

Jerwood Drawing Prize, Derwent Drawing Prize, BP Portrait Exhibition, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Discerning Eye, Ruth Borchard and New English Art Club