Surface Paintings

For more than thirty years, Charles Gniech's paintings have explored the connection between visual art and meditation. Much of his work is inspired by the prehistoric stone circles of Great Britain. While most people are familiar with Stonehenge, there are more than 430 stone circles across the British Isles--from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall. The largest of these is at Avebury, just north of Stonehenge.

Through visiting and studying these sites, Gniech has developed a particular focus on the stones themselves--their weathered surfaces and the natural patterns shaped by geology, biology, erosion, and time. These markings are historically significant, but they also carry a quiet sense of presence and stillness that resonates with meditation.

In his paintings, Gniech translates these observations into layered washes of pigment on canvas, creating translucent surfaces that suggest both depth and subtle texture. Though abstract in form, the work remains grounded in the visual language of erosion and surface detail. His approach is influenced by minimalist and contemplative artists such as Agnes Martin and Mark Rothko, whose works emphasize subtle variation and emotional resonance.

Gniech's contributions have been recognized by major institutions. In November 2013, his painting Grounded II was acquired for the permanent collection of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Ultimately, this ongoing body of work is about creating space for pause. Just as the ancient stone circles invite stillness and contemplation, Gniech aims for his paintings to serve as quiet environments where viewers can slow down, reflect, and find a sense of calm.

Untitled, 2018, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50

Untitled, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20

Harper, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 20

Point of Departure, 2024, acrylic on canvas, (Dyptich) 24 x 30

Untitled, 2014, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 60

Untitled, 2014, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 60
Shown at the 2017 Curators Create exhibition at the Bridgeport Art Center

Surface, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 60

Left to right:
Aqua 1, 2016, acrylic on canvas 20 x 20"
Aqua 2, 2016, acrylic on canvas 20 x 20"
Aqua 3, 2016, acrylic on canvas 20 x 20"

Breath, 2013, acrylic on canvas - dyptich, 60 x 72

Breath, 2013, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 72
Shown at the 2017 Studio Faculty Exhibition, Laura A. Sprague Art Gallery, Joliet Junior College; Joliet, Illinois

Passage, 2014, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 60

Essence, 2014, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40

Symbiotic, 2014, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40

Anomaly, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 60

Presented in a show titled Meditative Surfaces at The Art Center-Highland Park 2015

Night Striation, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 - Detail at right

Rise, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40

Striation ~ Viloet, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 - Detail at right

Meditation IV, 36" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Surface, 40" x 60", acrylic on canvas, 2007

Watching Waves, 40" x 60", acrylic on canvas, 2006

Moving Thoughts, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2006

Altered, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2009 - detail at right

Moving Surface, 36" x 72", acrylic on canvas, 2007

Blue Stone, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2006 - detail at right

Calming Rythm, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 - Detail at right

Cornerstone, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 - Detail at right

Stone Surface, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007

The following paintings have been acquired for public or private collections

Grounded, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 40 - Detail at right
In the Collection of Steve Olson and Peter Gettins

Striation ~ White, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 - Detail at right
Private Collector

Striation ~ Green, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24
Private Collector

Grounded II, 60 x 40, acrylic on canvas - Detail at right
The Collection of The Fort Wayne Museum of Art - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Meditation II, 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
In the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Napoli, Chicago

Meditation III, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2009
Private Collection - Winnetka, IL

Purchased as a group...
Quiet Surface II, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas, 2009
Striation, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas, 2010 Quiet Surface I, 24" x 24", acrylic on canvas, 2009
Private Collection - Chicago

Intitution, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2010
In the Collection of Shawn Douglass and Jean Deven, Chicago<

Untitled 2006, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2006
Detail at right
In the Collection of Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Naperville, Illinois

Untitled 2010, 36" x 15", acrylic on canvas, 2010
Detail at right
In the collection of Ann and Robert Avery, Chicago

Quiet Wisdom - Warmth, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2007
In the collection of Rose Camasta, Chicago

Red Surface, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2008
Private Collection - Chicago

Meditation, 48" x 36", acrylic on canvas, 2006
In the collection of Pat Popovich, Valpo, IN
[shown at Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI, center wall]

Quiet Wisdom II, 40" x 40", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Private Collection - Chicago
Acquired at the Art Against AIDS? 2008 benefit, Chicago

Moments III, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Purchased by Wachovia for auction at the National Human Rights Campaign Benefit in Washington DC, 2007

Moments, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2006
In the collection of Mike and Maggie Meiners, Chicago

Untitled [The Liver], 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2007
Wired as a vertical or horizontal composition
In the collection of Eugene Biondi, Chicago

Surface Verte, 24" x 48", acrylic on canvas, 2009
Private Collection - Woodstock, IL

Other Collectors of work from this series include:

Jan Lechner, Tinley Park, Illinois
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