Welcome to my art world.

I have loved to create things with my hands as far back as I can remember. I have been a full time artist ever since I realized that I could support a life doing what I love. That took some time to learn.

My artwork is available for purchase from my website’s Gallery page and at Red Sky Gallery in Lake Forest Park, Washington and Tsuga Fine Art in Bothell, Washington.

I offer workshops in watercolor, drawing, sketchbooking, and creativity coaching. I also regularly take students on international sketching workshops. Best. Gig. Ever.

I believe that through art and play adults and children alike are able to understand their world and to establish connections to different areas in their life. Through art we are better able to understand and appreciate the world around us and develop a deeper relationship with ourselves. 

After teaching for years at several art schools and local colleges, I opened up my own online art school, Cloud 9, and an amazing group of teaching artists have joined me to offer art classes in a multitude of media and styles. I am thrilled!

For more information on the courses I am teaching please visit my Workshops page, click on the workshop you are interested in and you will see all the details and registration options. And do feel free to email me for more information. 

If you would like to receive my quarterly eNewsletter with updates about my work, art shows, and workshops, you can subscribe by clicking here. (Should you later change your mind, you will be able to "Unsubscribe" with just one click.)

Student testimonials

Your online teaching skills are incredible. I’ve taken many online classes over the past several years, and I think you are the most organized, articulate, and personable instructor I’ve ever had. Your on-line teaching presence is just going to get bigger and stronger. - Lauren C.

Both my wife and I have been taking sketching and painting classes from Charlene. I have to say that the quality of art education that I am receiving from Charlene is staggering. I have spent 3 years of my life learning art for an MFA degree at Academy of Art University San Francisco, and I must say that the education I am receiving at Cloud 9 is way superior to those years of my art education from a university. I highly recommend Charlene and her art school, Cloud 9, to anyone who wishes to get a strong foundation to their artistic skills and push themselves further to rediscover the joy of creativity and eliminate all fears while following their passion. ~ Mukul Soman

I so love your class on drawing the human head and facial expressions. I feel like it is tailored just for me; it is exactly what I want so I am beyond thrilled! I’ve taken other courses on drawing faces and yours blows them out of the water. I keep pinching myself that I found such an amazing art school, classes, and teacher (who is great at attracting other wonderful teachers too) so close by. I am truly, truly blessed! ~ Deb W.

When I returned home yesterday, I told my husband that your class was the best one I have ever taken.  I am very excited.  It actually gave me goosebumps!  ~ Susan Cook

Knowing we have to grow into the curve  of learning and improving is why I keep coming back.  I love your class and more importantly I love the way you teach.  You are not judgmental, you care and we are fortunate to have you each week. Thank you, Char.  ~ Marilyn Scanlon

I'm so glad I took your  "Drawing the Masters" class. Looking back at my past work, the current work I'm creating is more accurate and my visual ability has improved. I've been drawing more and now tackling painting again. Thank you! ~ Donella Robbins