Born in Edinburgh, Charles Randak is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art. His grandfather was an accomplished artist who won prizes for his work in 1897 from the Glasgow Master Painters Association - family legend has it that he “hung out” in Montmartre, Paris, in the early 1900s.

Throughout his career heading a design company with clients across the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA, Charles has always continued to paint. Now, he devotes more time to his art, naturally drawn to the West Coast of Scotland, where he has deep connections. He also finds inspiration in the light and rhythm of Italy, the Caribbean, and Dance.

His painting style is direct, with unfussed brushstrokes and knife work, often on canvas, creating what he calls “statement pieces” of a considered scale. The contrasting textures reflect both the vitality of the city and the raw beauty of nature’s colour palette, avoiding any sense of artificiality in the image.

“I aim to capture real places and moments in time - creating a window on a visual, mental or spiritual ‘refresh’ - especially when it is sky, sea, or beaches above or below the shoreline. I want people to feel the reality of nature’s power and beauty, or the calm away from these locations and remember that these places remain open for those that respect them - but also to give an opportunity to re-deliver that ‘reconnection’.”

Charles focuses primarily on the West Coast of Scotland and exhibits in galleries throughout the UK. His paintings are also held in private collections in California, Texas, and New York.