Both the diversity of his life and professional experience have given Charles Harrington a unique and perhaps unconventional perspective on the world of fine art. After earning two degrees in architecture from the University of Arkansas, Harrington spent 15 years as a practicing architectural designer and illustrator. It was during this time that he realized his first love had always been fine art.

Harrington returned from architectural design and illustration to academia, earning a Master of Architecture degree from Oklahoma State University. Upon graduating, Harrington accepted a faculty position with the School of Art and Architecture at Louisiana Tech University where he taught architecture courses as well as courses in drawing and water-media painting. Finally he was able to indulge in both of his passions — fine art and architecture — in the same venue.

Harrington taught for 23 years before leaving Louisiana Tech in 2003 to pursue fine art full time. He now devotes his time to painting, writing, and conducting painting workshops.

Charles Harrington is a signature member and Dolphin Fellow of the American Watercolor Society and the International Society of Acrylic Painters (formerly the National Acrylic Painter's Association). His work has been shown in the American Watercolor Society, National Acrylic Painters Association, The International Society of Acrylic Painters, The National Society of Painters in Casein & Acrylic (Silver Medal), The American Artist's Professional League, Allied Artists of America, Watercolor USA, Arts for the Parks top 100, and numerous regional exhibitions.

Harrington's work has appeared in publications including American Artist Magazine's Watercolor 88, Watercolor Magic's Autumn 1996 edition, and Artist's Magazine's February 2005 edition. His first book, Acrylics: The Watercolor Alternative, was released by North Light Books, August 2005.

Charles Harrington has one acrlyic DVD workshop, Acrylic Landscapes the Watercolor Way, with Creative Catalyst Productions.