Character Strengths by Deitra Charles
June 13 – September 11, 2024
Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

The City of Santa Clarita proudly presents “Character Strengths,” an exhibition by Deitra Charles. This collection of expressive paintings explores themes of family, community, and peace. It will be on display from June 13 to September 11, 2024, at the Canyon Country Community Center Gallery.

Los Angeles, California native, Deitra Charles became interested in art at a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University. Deitra is inspired by nature, harmony, and her love of family and relationships. She strives to evoke a sense of peace and calm from her work. “Character Strengths” represents what it means to be our best selves and the resulting, positive impact on others.

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on September 11, 2024.
www.deitracharles.com | deitra.charles@gmail.com | @deitrac

Q&A with Deitra Charles

Hi Deitra, thank you for exhibiting your artwork with us at the Canyon Country Community Center Gallery. Tell us, how do you usually start your pieces?
Typically, I have several ideas of what I want to paint. After looking at numerous source photos, I choose one, crop the image in my mind, and mentally place it on the canvas. Sitting or standing in front of a canvas, I imagine the composition. Then I sketch the drawing and do an underpainting. Almost always, it ends up different than what I anticipated, but that’s the fun part.

What memorable responses have you had to your artwork?
Often, I am told that my work is calming, and that the viewer gets a sense of peace when looking at it. This means so much to me because it is just what I want viewers to experience when observing my work.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received as an artist?
“Make time. Steal it back. Paint”. These are words from an artist who I truly admire, and they resonate with me almost every day. It was a response to my statement that I don’t have time to create and that the thing I love the most is what I do the least.

How do you know when your artwork is finished?
My own curiosity has prompted me to ask this very question of other artist and the responses vary. There are times when I’m close to completing a piece, and I must stop working on it momentarily. If a sense of joy overcomes me when I return to it, then I know that I am done.

Do you have any tips for other artists who are just starting out?
Create art using whatever materials you have. Art supplies can be expensive, yet cost should not hinder anyone from expressing themselves creatively. I produced more art when I had fewer supplies to work with. Grab a pencil and a notepad and let your ideas flow.