Beloved Sonoma County Painter Charles Becker Dies at 73

The late artist was known for his unique 'Magical Realism' style that brought everyday objects to life on canvas.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Charles Robert Becker, a renowned Sonoma County painter known for his vibrant 'Magical Realism' style, passed away on January 21, 2026 at the age of 73. Becker's paintings, which were described as bringing ordinary objects like strawberries and plums to life, earned him international recognition and a loyal following over his decades-long career. A celebration of his life will be held this Saturday in Occidental.

Why it matters

Becker's passing marks the end of an era for the North Bay art scene, as he was considered a beloved local figure whose work transcended the boundaries of traditional still life painting. His unique style and approach to connecting with viewers through his art left a lasting impact on the community.

The details

Born in 1952 in Millbrae, Becker developed his signature 'Magical Realism' style after studying under Italian painter Roberto Lupetti as a young hippie. His paintings, which were described as almost 'alive' on the canvas, defied easy categorization and eventually earned him widespread recognition, including features in major publications like Time Magazine and a commission from Absolut Vodka in the 1990s. Becker operated two studios in Graton for many years, using one to teach students both in-person and online.

  • Charles Robert Becker was born in 1952.
  • Becker met and studied under Italian painter Roberto Lupetti as a 19-year-old hippie.
  • In 1986, one of Becker's paintings appeared on the cover of Southwest Art Magazine.
  • In 1990, Absolut Vodka commissioned Becker to paint four pieces for an ad campaign.
  • Becker passed away on January 21, 2026 at the age of 73.

The players

Charles Robert Becker

A renowned Sonoma County painter known for his unique 'Magical Realism' style that brought everyday objects to life on canvas.

Roberto Lupetti

An Italian still-life master painter who Becker studied under as a young hippie, helping him develop his signature style.

Rowland Weinstein

The proprietor of the San Francisco-based Weinstein Gallery, who signed Becker on as his first living artist and sold Becker's paintings exclusively from 1993 to 2009.

Amanda Roze

Becker's partner, who said that each of his actions originated in love and that he used art as a means to connect with people.

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What they’re saying

“Charles' work was so alive to me—you could take the strawberries right off the canvas, you know. You could pick up the doily. There was something so beautiful, so complete to me, it almost wasn't like he was painting a strawberry. He was painting a portrait of a strawberry; he was painting a portrait of a plum. He was painting them like he was painting individuals.”

— Rowland Weinstein, Weinstein Gallery proprietor (bohemian.com)

“Any discussion of Charles' work has to start with who he was as a person. Each of his actions originated in love—each gesture, brushstroke, and communication was filled with beauty and heart … He tried to translate all of his emotions onto the canvas and reach the hearts of the viewers. He used art as a means to connect with people.”

— Amanda Roze, Becker's partner (bohemian.com)

What’s next

A Celebration of Life for Charles Becker will take place this Saturday, February 14, at Harmony Elementary School in Occidental.

The takeaway

Becker's unique 'Magical Realism' style and his ability to imbue everyday objects with a sense of life and emotion left an indelible mark on the North Bay art scene. His passing is a significant loss for the community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and captivate viewers for years to come.