Editorial note – This blog post is part of our Scribbles series. If interested in submitting creative content, view our guidelines here or contact Cassie Crosby at cassie@fromthegreennotebook.com.
By Charles Burt
SFC (Retired) Charles Burt retired from the Army after 20 years of service. After retirement, he had a tough time adjusting to the culture of civilian life. He began taking art courses at the local community college and later completed a four-year intensive fine art program at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. He was once again among disciplined people who were dedicated to their craft in a culture where he felt accepted.
About a year after retiring, Charles developed a tremor in his dominant hand and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, yet he is able to push through the challenges of painting with a tremor and still achieve the hyper realism that gives him a sense of accomplishment in his art. Charles hopes his art and story inspires other veterans to push for their goals outside of the military the same way they did while serving, and shows civilians a different perspective on the military. Check out his gallery at charlesburtartist.com/
