If you’re active on the various prog forums, you may have already seen the artwork of Charlie Roy. Charlie is a tremendously gifted artist who has figured out how to blend his love for progressive music and his art. Take a look at the gallery below to see some examples of his progressive rock portraits.

I asked Charlie a few questions about his art, his musical background, and some of the motivations for the art that he currently does. Thanks, Charlie, for your time, and consider purchasing some of his artwork or asking him for a commission.

Tell is about your history with progressive rock. Who were your first idols?

I first met in with progressive rock 1971/72. The first bands I liked were Yes, ELP, Curved Air, Uriah Heep, Atomic Rooster, and Rick Wakeman.

When did you start painting?

I had been a baker for 8 years from 1974 to 1982. I had started doing a lot of drawing in my spare time and I began to sell pictures and get commissions. I became a full time artist in the summer of 1982.

What made you decide to paint progressive rock musicians?

Just before Christmas 2016 we had a massive house fire that destroyed everything including my studio. I was left with the clothes I stood up in. I had spent the previous 10 years building our home, so I had to start again. I threw myself into the rebuilding project with a passion determined to reclaim some of my old life. This drive and energy changed the way I did my art. I was painting with a new freedom. In October 2017 I suddenly had the idea of bringing my art and love of prog together, early reactions to my drawings and painting were very encouraging and the last 10 months have seen me develop my abilities and increase the audience for the work.

The majority of your paintings are of prog legends of the 70s and 80s. Who are your favorite modern progressive rock musicians?

Steven Wilson.

How could one purchase your art?

Best to contact me by email (ashtonroy@yahoo.co.uk) or Facebook messenger.

Besides progressive musicians, what other paintings do you do?

I’m a commission artist so I do a wide range of subjects – portraiture, pet portraits, wildlife, buildings, vehicles, landscapes, farmscapes- just what ever people want.

Take a look at Charlie Roy’s art page on Facebook here!