An encounter with a 6-year-old ballerina in her baggy ballet tights, hair sticking out of a ponytail. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Mortimer)

The Holladay Arts Council selected Charlotte Mortimer as the Artist of the Month for November 2025, in recognition of her outstanding talent and skill as a master artist. 

Known for her versatility across various mediums, Mortimer brings the essence of all living things to life in her work. She establishes a connection with her subjects, capturing their stories and infusing this energy into her paintings. 

Narrative painting is a powerful form of communication. It is a way to immortalize a story in a single, cohesive work of art. In Mortimer’s paintings and drawings every brush and pencil stroke thoughtfully conveys moments — whether it's a heartwarming encounter with a 6-year-old ballerina in her baggy ballet tights, hair sticking out of a ponytail; a lively conversation between pensioners; or the focused gaze of a weathered fisherman. 

These striking images on canvas breathe life into both past events and personal stories, ensuring that their rich narratives endure.

A conversation between two pensioners. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

Mortimer understands that her mission as an artist extends far beyond creating beautiful portraits of individuals, animals or nature. She helps her clients preserve their memories and honor their emotional journeys. 

“Every living thing has a soul and a story waiting to be seen, and I want to be the one to bring those stories to life,” she said. “One day while working on a painting, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. I realized each brushstroke was not just about the image, but about the stories and memories behind it. It felt as if I were channeling the essence of the person I was painting — capturing their spirit and the profound love they shared with their family.”

The focused gaze of a weathered fisherman. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

Mortimer studied fine art at Utah State University and later apprenticed under notable artists. Among them was the late master portrait painter Frank Covino, who instilled in Mortimer a deep appreciation for the Old Masters. Additionally, Dan Wilson, an award-winning fine artist, inspired Mortimer to think critically about her work by asking essential questions: What message do I want to convey? What tools can I use to express this message? How can I uplift?

Mortimer understands that art is primarily about evoking feelings, setting a mood, and exploring the reasons and story behind the creation of a painting. But, according to Mortimer, the technical aspect of painting can’t be ignored. One millimeter can make a significant difference in trying to create a likeness of the subject.

“I’ve learned something different from every teacher I’ve studied with, and I always try to incorporate those lessons into my art,” Mortimer said. “When capturing the likeness of a subject, being off by even half a millimeter can hinder the resemblance. Every single millimeter matters especially when painting a portrait. Painting 

“When capturing the likeness of a subject, being off by even half a millimeter can hinder the resemblance. Every single millimeter matters especially when painting a portrait,” says artist Charlotte Mortimer. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

is not only about capturing the beauty of nature, but also the beauty of animals and people. All I need to do is look around, and I feel motivated and inspired to capture a part of that beauty on canvas. People are so interesting, and there is always a story to tell on canvas. For instance, I love to paint people's eyes in a way that draws the viewer in and conveys a narrative. When I paint someone of advanced age, I love to dive in and paint their lines and wrinkles, because they are a map of their life.” 

Mortimer has received numerous awards and recognitions for her art, including Best First Showing at the Holladay Fine Arts Show in 2016. Recognized as one of the top 100 artists in Utah, Linda Curly Christensen invited Mortimer to share her exceptional painting skills on Christensen's mural painting team for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Draper Temple.

"I was honored to be on Linda's mural team," Mortimer said. "Linda paints murals for temples throughout the world. I was invited to work on more projects with her, but after the Draper mural was completed, I had to return to work full-time as a paralegal, so I couldn't continue creating art with her.” 

And how does Mortimer measure success as an artist? “If I can create a painting that stirs an emotional response, then I’ve done my job. I’ve made a connection and captured the essence of nature, the intricate complexities of humanity, or the graceful beauty of animals and their stories.”  

For information about commission paintings or to learn more about Mortimer’s art visit: Instagram @charlotte.mortimer.art  

Mortimer’s website: www.charlottemortimerart.com.

Mortimer’s fine art exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall through November.