Charles N. Pruitt enjoys painting primarily landscapes of the Southwest. In fact, he considers himself an “impressionist of the Southwest” because of his devotion to working from life, painting in oils directly from nature using the “alla prima” or "plein air” method. Using close observation of nature, the effects of light, composition and interpretation of values based on intuition, emotion and his experience, has led to a style described as spontaneous and honest. 

 He has won over 40 awards, locally and nationally, but one of his most prized awards was the honor of representing West Texas at an art show inside the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., 1977. In 1991 he was selected as the featured artist for the “Celebration of the Arts Show", where he was honored with a special poster edition of “Plum Blossoms”.  He has shown in the prestigious C. M. Russell Auction in Great Falls, Montana, and was chosen as a Quick Draw participant in 1993, 1994, 1999 and 2000. His works have been juried into the “Arts for the Parks”,  in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Allied Artist Annual Show,  New York City. He received the “Best of Show” award in 1993,1994 and 1998 at the Museum of the Southwest Regional Spring Show.

 
Charles is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America (OPA). A member of the Outdoor Painters Society (OPS).

 He has studied under such well-known artist as Clyde Aspevig, Ted Goerschner, Ovanes Berberian, William F. Reese and Matt Smith.

Recent Awards, Demonstrations and Exhibitions:

Awarded “Best of Show” in the 2000 American Plains Artist Show by Judge Howard Rogers.

Demonstration for the Associated Creative Artist, in Dallas, 1997.

Annually C. M. Russell Auction and Quick Draw Participant 1993, 1994, 1999, and 2000, in Great Falls, Montana

One man Show at Sedona, Arizona, 1994.

MAA Southwest Regional Show, "Best of Show" 1993, 1994 and 1998.

Allied Artist 78th Annual Exhibition, New York City.

Oil Painters of America annual national show, 1993,1995, 1996,1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006.

Arts for the Park, 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2004

Scottsdale Artist School alumni show, 1992, 1993 and 1994.

Outdoor Painters Society, Plein Air Texas 2006,  2007 and 2008.