Charles Warren “C.W.” Mundy’s art career began during vacation Bible school. At 7, he already had a reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. He had been kicked out of kindergarten for making too much noise, getting in fights, and objecting loudly to the idea of a mid-day nap.

But that summer, the teacher at vacation Bible school in Mundy’s hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he still lives today, tried a new idea to keep him under control: She assigned him to make a poster for the daily program and hang it in the church.

C.W. Mundy (Indiana)

Portrait of Anne
Oil
36˝ by 24˝
“This painting was created in our living room, using our 1940s’ French settee as a prop. I really was excited about the backlit subject and the contrast. The biggest part of the experiment, however, was the challenge of painting a photorealistic face with a very painterly secondary and tertiary.”

C.W. Mundy (Indiana)

The Louvre, Paris, Late Afternoon
Oil
9˝ by 12˝
“Light/shadow and French antique buildings are a recipe for success. I’ve painted the Louvre several times, and this painting is my favorite. The edge work and color are absolutely crucial. It creates atmosphere.”