Charles was bigger than life in my art world, and he certainly made his mark on the art world in general and in the hearts and minds of thousands of other people. The sweep of his paint brush, that hearty laugh, the tips and tricks he shared with us all–and all those stories–no one could ever do it like he could. What a teacher and mentor he was. He will be sorely missed by all, including me. I treasure the memories I have of his classes, conversations, excursions, and the many works he created to be enjoyed through the ages by all who see them.

…Save a place for me at the easel Charles.

My husband and I rented Charles’ house in Lyme for several years. We became friends and the proud owners of many of his paintings. We are so sad that he is no longer part of our lives. He was an amazing, talented man. Our sympathy to his family.

Charles.. I just found out you left us for greener grounds… I miss you. We had so much fun in Amsterdam and I am glad I got to join the group even though I cant paint.. I enjoyed your spirit and funny jokes. Wish I had known you went in to hospice, I had been thinking of you and wanted to come see your place in Vero. Love you, miss you, thank you.

I first met Charles C. Gruppe on one of the many wonderful art tours he conducted. His laugh and great sense of humor lent spice to all his teaching. He taught even the mid-career artist how to bring a contemporary look to his painting without abandoning basic principles of realistic art. He was also a tireless worker, bringing his special insight to his own paintings in his hotel room while the rest of us enjoyed evening sight-seeing or dining on the Costa del Sol or French Riviera. I join many in missing this great art personality, encouraging and entertaining teacher, and great artist.

The members of the Long Island painting group were so sorry to hear that Charlie passed in October. Charlie was our instructor for many years, he would travel from Maine to spend a week with us every autumn. When the trip got to be too much for him, we would travel to Gloucester to join his workshop there.
Originally there were 13 of us in his Long Island workshop, there are only three original members left. We still meet every Wednesday and often speak of Charlie, we each have many of his wonderful paintings. For the past two years in February a few of us visited him in Vero, we were looking forward to seeing him again this year. We’ll miss him. Our sympathy to his family.
Mary Healy, Ann Wood, Jane Walter

I am saddened to hear this dear man has passed away. I went on a few of his trips to Europe, he was always fun to be with. RIP Charles.. you will be very missed.❤️

It hurts my heart knowing that Charles in not in this world anymore. I’ve known him since I was a child so 50 plus years. He often visited my mother in NY state, and also after her move to PA. He was a true friend to our whole family.
Will miss him as I’ve missed V & V.
Dear Charles…..say hello to my mom when you see her.

It hurts my heart knowing that Charles in not in this world anymore. I’ve known him since I was a child so 50 plus years. He often visited my mother in NY state, and also after her move to PA. He was a true friend to our whole family. So blessed to own many of his paintings, even one he painted for me on my 21st birthday.
Will miss him as I’ve missed V & V.
Dear Charles…..say hello to my mom when you see her.

What a great teacher , Artist and friend.
Loved his jokes, stories and upbeat style of teaching. A man of passion and life! The Painting trip to Portugal was a highlight for me ..a great teacher.
He was one of a kind , I will miss you. Save a space for me in class. Linda

Charles really loved to sell his art ! – -Our non-profit members’ gallery in Boothbay Harbor, Maine carried his work for several years, We would show his large pieces in our storefront window; and within a few days, Charles would deliver a new piece to replace the work that inevitably sold. He was always thankful and upbeat regarding his life as an artist. Charles was one of a kind. It was my privilege to have known him as a great artist and friend . . .

June Campbell Rose, Gallery Manager
Boothbay Region Art Foundation

Dear Gruppe Family members, I am so sorry to learn that dear Charles died nearly 2 years ago and I never knew it. I used to live in Stuart, FL (now in Naples) and originally met him through the Lighthouse Centre for Art in Tequesta. I participated in his classes and workshops laughing all the time. I remember when his condo was wiped out by the hurricane. I found him his home in Heron Bay, Vero Beach and he was forever grateful. He joined my NJ girlfriend & her parents there once for Christmas dinner when the goose caught on fire! He also always kidded me about making him attend two movies back to back in the theatre by simply walking across from one film to the next. Oh the memories. Rest In Peace my dear friend. I will stop taking pictures of tall ships for you to paint. You are sorely missed by so many whose heart you touched. I wonder if Pat from Pennsylvania and Marco Island knows?