When I first saw my painting, it was with my then alive and much beloved Mother.  I was a little unnerved by my facial expression in this painting.  My Mother looked at this beautiful painting and simply said "That is you Richard; that is your expression". Of course, I was still in denial.  I day later I looked at the painting again, and I could not deny that Charles truly captured me.  I think the previous day I may have felt somewhat exposed, as if I was unclothed, or somehow discovered, he not only captured my physical form, he captured my soul, he also transposed me along side of one of the great heroes Malcolm X (Little) of our time. An added bonus, as this was not to my request, this Artist talked me into letting him do my background. That was very moving for me.
 
I find Charles' paintings (all of them) so interesting, because not only does he create unique & special visions in his work, he also brings a higher understanding.  He has a intellectual, yet elegant meaning in his work.

I bought my first painting in 1991, and now I own over 5 art pieces from the Artist Charles Franklin Bryan. I truly love every one of them.  Sometimes, I find myself positioned away looking at his work, and just mentally soaking in the beauty.  In my future, I plan to own many more.  Charles' has the ability to create art forms that make you look at yourself, as if you were looking into a mirror, whether it's the mirror is yours or of someone or something else, this work is 'true art' at its Best.  I would not be misguided by any means by stating that "this man is a 'true genius' at work."
 
Richard Wayne Bates, President /NoAbsolutes/ Co.
2/25/2008, Friend & Lifetime Customer