“Art is not a thing, it is a way.”

– Elbert Hubbard

Chicago is alive with more than 2.5 million people, lots of famous hot dogs and nearly 200 art galleries. FUN FACT: Chicago was one of the first and largest municipalities to require public art as part of the renovation or construction of municipal buildings, with the passage of the Percentage-for-Arts Ordinance in 1978.

With the famous Art Institute of Chicago located there, it’s logical that artistic ability would be in the water. Reading the Chicago Art Magazine.com, chicagoartmagazine.com, I found some notable artists worth sharing.

First up is Hebru Brantley – http://hebrubrantley.com

Hebru Brantley is a Bronzeville-native living and working in Chicago. He’s recognized nationally for public works and solo shows in Chicago. Brantley, who has exhibited in San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York, has been commissioned by Nike, Skyy Vodka, and celebrity Tyra Banks. He uses a variety of surfaces and media including wood, spray paint, coffee and tea and takes themes from his 1980s upbringing.

I like that his art is playfully, childlike with an adult message. His work is full of color and contrast, bold and brilliant. It’s REALLY exciting to see the passion put in his work and I completely relate and connect to that pulse.

Next is Judith Mullen – http://judithmullen.com/

Judith Mullen is an alumni from the The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has a hefty resume to back it. Her work has a sense of untamed wildness, as free as a bird.

In her artist statement, she says, “Recent paintings and sculptures are inspired by sources as varied as aerial formations, city sidewalks, walks in the forest and primitive mark making. Superimposing line, shape and washes of color suggest a drive during rush hour traffic, an express train rides or perhaps the vast network of communication we receive daily. Together the abstract and the referential invoke a quirky mania of modern society in which the viewer may wander into for a visit.”

What I love about both of these artists (even though they are drastically different) is the boldness and individual strength. There is a clear voice in each of them that is beautiful to hold in your sight. Check them out and enjoy the photos.

I’m inspired to go paint now! See you at my next live painting event or when I get a chance to peak out from my studio.

Paint splats and love,
HiD
XOXO