Born in Sydney on 12 August 1928. He left school at thirteen and worked with the Sydney Sun, while attending night classes in drawing and design at the East Sydney Technical College from 1942-5 under Hayward Veal.

Charles Blackman has in many ways been an influence to many young as well as some established artists. His work has been extremely popular and has a strong broad appeal, his symbolic style of including children, flowers, gardens, cats, dreams all reflect emotions and compassion.