School of Charm 2010

Bo Bartlett's "School of Charm" is a painting executed with meticulous detail, primarily using oil on canvas. The artist's chosen medium influences the artwork's appearance, dictating its texture, depth, and luminosity. Oil paint is a medium known for its capacity to capture subtle gradations of light and shadow. Bartlett's delicate brushwork allows for precise renderings of fabrics, skin tones, and architectural details. The artist’s attention to detail and the illusionistic quality of his painting imbue the artwork with a sense of realism. The techniques employed—layering and blending—reveal a thoughtful process that emphasizes the values and aesthetics associated with American upbringing and mannerism. Bartlett’s artistic tradition belongs to a larger history of American realism, alongside craft and fine arts, as well as social issues. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can understand the full meaning of "School of Charm," moving beyond conventional boundaries of fine art and craft.