CHARLES APT

Charles Apt is a native of New York City. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute. His early artistic development was influenced by his grandfather, Sam Lumiere, a world renowned portrait photographer and his mother, Tami Apt, a designer of fashion and fine jewelry. An early stint as an illustrator was followed by a 2-year painting sojourn in Europe. Charles returned to New York to continue painting and later held his first gallery showing in New York.

As a result of this showing, wider recognition became apparent when he was invited to do a series of thoroughbred paintings to be exhibited at the Aqueduct Race Track. Subsequently, he had a one-man show of paintings and drawings of the race at the Aqueduct Gallery. An exhibition at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga resulted in "Best of Show“ award for his painting, "The Railbirds".

Later, the commitment of a "one-man show“ at the Grand Central Gallery in New York City, of the life and people of Portugal, took Charles and his family for two summers to Europe.

After returning to the U.S., he continued to receive many awards such as "Le Prix Prince Souverain“ for a painting now in the collection of Prince Rainier from Monaco. Charles received the prestigious Benjamin Altman Award from The National Academy of Design.

Charles Apt, who characterizes his work as contemporary realism, has exhibited his work over 30 years in national and international shows and museums. He has had many one-man exhibitions, and has taught at the National Academy of Design and The Art Students' League of New York.

He was elected Academician of the National Academy. His work has appeared in numerous art books and publications such as Arts Magazine and American Artist. He is profiled in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in American Art.

After spending many years in New York City, Charles established a new studio in Southern California, where he now works and resides with his wife, Ursula.