About the Artist

Charles Gulbrandsen graduated from the Cooper Union with distinction in 1985 and soon began a career in art restoration. Having specialized in the reconstruction and in-painting of the missing and damaged areas of these paintings, he was required to master many technical challenges. Over the years, Gulbrandsen would synthesize this experience into the development of his own style.

Among his many significant restoration projects was the Ceiling of Grand Central Terminal, which was actually painted by his grandfather; also, Charles Gulbrandsen. During these years spent concentrating in art restoration, he was also commissioned to paint many murals for private clients. Charles’ passion for larger works would surface again with the emergence of his abstract work.

Using aggressive brushwork and multiple glazing layers, each piece begins with a series of arching gestures and like a photograph coming into focus, organic structures slowly emerge from luminous nebulae. The dance of turbulence and harmony, opacity and translucency, all coalesce into images which are simultaneously abstract and surreal. This process allows Gulbrandsen to explore the encounter between the natural and perceived world by synthesizing these contradictory elements into a unified field.

Accomplishments

Significant Mural Commissions

“GREENWICH VISTAS” (450 sq. ft.) private residence, Greenwich, CT

"GOTHAM" (350 sq .ft) private residence New York, NY

"ST. JEROME" (250 sq .ft.) private residence, Bronx, NY

"THE STUBBS ROOM" (250 sq. ft.) private residence, Redding, CT

"HONG KONG HARBOR" (800 sq.ft.) private residence, New York, NY

"COMO VISTA" (300 sq. ft.) private residence, Fairfield, CT

"SERENGETI PLAINS" (800 sq. ft.) private residence, New Canaan, CT

“STRATA PHASE” (84” x 84” oil on panel) Kaufman Borgess & Ryan, New York, NY

Notable Restorations

Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY; "ZODIAC CEILING", consultant and conservation crew member for Beir, Blinder & Belle of New York, NY

U.S. Coast Guard Naval Headquarters, Governor's Island, NY; Officers' Club
mural "CASTLE WILLIAMS" by Anthony Ravelli

Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, MA; a suite of four murals

Cafe′ des Artistes, New York, NY; a suite of twelve murals by Howard Chandler Christy

Guggenheim Estate, Sands Point, NY; decorative foyer ceiling mural

St. Bartholomew's Chapel, New York, NY; alter painting, "ADORATION OF THE MAGI" by Poullin

Education

The Cooper Union, New York, NY - Bachelor of Fine Art

The Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, England

Awards and Accolades

The Cooper Union, full four year scholarship award
The Bath Academy of Art Scholarship Award
The Cooper Union Dean's List, High Honors
The Vena T. Carol Prize

Charles Gulbrandsen