Chuck Close is an American artist known for his photorealistic paintings and portraits. He was born in 1940 in Washington and showed an early talent for art. At age 14, he was inspired by seeing Jackson Pollock's paintings. Close studied art in college and developed a style using photo-transfers on large canvases. Though paralyzed from the waist down since 1988, he continues to paint using a brush strapped to his hand. Close is considered one of America's leading contemporary artists.