Charles L. Peterson was born and raised in Elgin, Illinois. Chick (his lifelong nickname) found a great deal of satisfaction in expressing himself through drawings. It was with these first drawings, mostly of horses, cowboys, and Indians, that his interest in painting began. After serving in the Pacific during World War II, Chick studied at Chicago’s Art Institute and graduated from the American Academy of Art in 1949. He then worked briefly in layout and illustration for an advertising firm. Later he pursued a liberal arts education at Marietta College in Ohio. He also earned a Masters in Fine Arts at Ohio University in 1954. The beginning of a teaching career included a professorship at Concord College. He was a professor and eventually department head at Marietta College until 1973. After retiring from teaching in 1973 Chick moved his family to Door County, Wisconsin. This was a place that held great interest for him as a family vacation spot since the late 1950’s but also aesthetically. The family built a studio and gallery and Chick began what is often referred to his ‘second career’. Chick’s artwork would eventually receive national and international attention, giving him with what he considers a good life; a career and location of choice, while providing for his family.1
With his studio overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan, much of Charles Peterson's art reflects his love for sailing and the sea. Paintings of the great sailing ships and wonderful seascapes have long provided Peterson with both financial and professional success. A parallel interest in the preservation of the American community led to paintings that became a series of signed, limited edition fine art reproductions. Working with White Door Publishing Company, Chick completed over 60 paintings which were reproduced under the title “The Memories Collection.” Painted with the same personal interest as his marine paintings, Peterson's Memories Collection of limited edition prints combine the elements of an old, forgotten site with the very subtle reflection of the special times that are still real for those who remember.2

1 www.clpetersonstudio.com/artist.html

2 www.mapleleafgallery.com/peterson.htm