We recently caught up with acclaimed landscape artist Charlie Easton, whose work hums with energy, emotion, and a true love of the outdoors. From plein air adventures to pickled eggs and shotguns (yes, really), Charlie brings a uniquely spirited approach to painting. We asked him a few questions about his creative process, memorable moments, and what drives his art. 

Here’s what he had to say:

When you're standing in front of a blank canvas, what's the first thing you feel?

The first thing I feel is always excitement. A blank canvas holds endless possibilities. I’m not someone who stresses too much about messing up — I believe in throwing everything at a painting, and judging it afterward. Ultimately, it’s about whether someone wants it on their wall. But that first moment? It’s pure potential.

Your landscapes practically hum with movement and emotion. How do you make something as still as a mountain feel so alive?

That’s kind of you to say! Honestly, when I’m out there in the mountains, it feels like they’re moving already. I’ve hiked into these remote places — and you can almost feel the personality of each peak. Especially somewhere like Jasper, with Pyramid Mountain — it’s all leaning and shifting. I know there are geological forces at play, but I love trying to capture that character. The mountains have moods, and I try to paint them as if they’re alive.

What’s the wildest or most unexpected thing that’s happened while painting plein air?

Oh, it’s usually the humans that surprise you. Once, in Arizona, I was out painting while my wife went for a walk with our baby daughter in a carry pack. Suddenly, a truck screeches to a halt, and this guy jumps out yelling — shotgun on the seat, hair everywhere — convinced we were poaching pigs. He thought my easel was a rifle and my baby was the pig my wife was hauling away!
Once he realized we were just a painter, a mom, and a baby — probably the least threatening trio imaginable — he totally calmed down. In fact, he ended up bringing us firewood, whiskey, and 48 of his homemade pickled eggs. Wildest painting day ever.

If one of your paintings could whisper something to a viewer, what would it say?

I don’t know if they whisper — I think they kind of scream! But if they could say one thing, I’d want it to be:
“Go outside now.”
Have a real experience in nature. Because if we value the wild places, we’ll protect them. That’s never been more important than it is now.

As a Vancouver Island local, what’s one hidden gem or inspiring spot?

I won’t give away all my secrets, but anywhere on the west coast of Vancouver Island does it for me. When you're standing there, facing thousands of miles of open ocean, knowing the next landmass is Japan — it's awe-inspiring. Especially for someone like me, who came from the crowded history of the UK. There’s space here. And that space fuels creativity.

How has your creative process evolved over the years?

My skill level has definitely improved — that comes from thousands of hours at the easel. But I’ve tried to keep a balance between applying technique and maintaining a raw, emotional response to place. I never want my work to feel too polished or “chocolate boxy.”
The goal is for each painting to feel like a genuine reaction to a moment in nature — not just a display of skill. It’s a tricky balance, but I hope that feeling still comes through.

Charlie Easton lives and works on Vancouver Island and paints across Canada. His work is available through Mountain Galleries in Whistler, Banff, Jasper, and Victoria.