Ed Charney is a Western Pennsylvania native; his early years were spent exploring the dramatic foothills of the Allegheny mountains and the farming communities scattered amongst them. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for a Bachelors degree with a focus on Metallry, Painting, and Art History. H attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for a Master's degree in Painting and Sculpture. His journey into the academic world began after that. He taught at several different locations including EUP, PSU/Behrend college, Towson State, Wartburg College, and Wittenberg University. Prior to a full-time teaching assignment, he worked in several unrelated fields such as Trackman for Penn Central RR, Carpenter, Retail Bakery Manager, Gallery Director, among others. 

Charney is painting full-time in his farmhouse in the rural part of Western Ohio. His landscape painting history has been influenced by the various locations that he taught. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Iowa, and Ohio have had an impact on his art.Each region inspired paintings that reflect his attention to the elements that create the unique character of the place. Mr. Charney's work can be seen in public and private collections around the Midwest.