Montana artist Charles Fritz is known for his historically accurate depictions of the West and Western history. Working in oils, his textured, realistic paintings exhibit strong design achieved through careful attention to composition. Valued for his versatility, it is his admiration for the tenacious human spirit that inspires him to paint the many facets of the West and its people.
A decade in the making, his collection of 100 paintings titled An Artist with the Corps of Discovery comprehensively illustrates the journals of Lewis and Clark and has been exhibited continuously across the country since 2004. Considered by many to be a national treasure, the collection has been viewed by millions of visitors. In 2013, Fritz received the highest honor awarded by the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation for his lasting contribution to the legacy of the historic expedition.
In the recently released Montana PBS documentary Charlie Russell and the American West, Fritz speaks to the legacy of Charlie Russell and his influence on today’s artists.
Fritz is currently engaged in the creation and installation of two 7 x 14 ft. murals in Montana and Idaho. A Prix de West artist for 29 years, Fritz’ work is also represented in the permanent collections of numerous museums.