Featured artist finds faith in painting
Charlie Newton, an internationally recognized painter from Chattanooga, conducted a session explaining his art in Squire’s recital hall at Lee University on Friday, Feb 22.
Newton’s paintings have been featured in the humanities building for the past few weeks as a source of intrigue for both students and faculty through their combination of literal and abstract elements.
“The main thing is to be free,” Newton said.
Newton, who is also a pastor, said that at the age of 5 he felt God calling him to be an artist, and that his paintings “are like prayers.” He describes his paints as he would describe his faith.
“Make art for art’s sake, and leave it up to God [to determine] where it goes,” Newton said.
Newton told the largely student audience, saying further that if musicians and dancers can use their talents for the Lord, artists should be able to as well, and doing so has been his goal.
Given the nods of approval from audience members at not only the sight of his works but throughout his speech as well, it would seem that Newton’s goal is one easily shared.
