Enjoy the paintings of artist Chuck Middlekauff, who expresses the heart and culture of the West with a contemporary twist. Visit his website for more.
“Paint Your Wagon” mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 48″ x 1 1/2″
Because I have my own vision of the American West, I don’t know if my paintings fit into the category of “Art of the New West.” I am certain, however, that I am doing art that is different from the long-established “Western” art of today or the past.
“Born and Bred in the U.S.A.” mixed media on paper mounted on canvas, 40″ x 30″ x 1 1/2″
Instead of your traditional Western theme of realistic landscapes, cattle drives, Indians, etc., my cowboys just hang out in made-up surroundings. And I’m further disqualifying myself because sometimes my paintings fall outside the “Western” genre.
“The FAB FIVE” acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 50″
I want my bold and unrefined paintings to reflect and illustrate my own passion for the West and America. This is what I knew and loved as a kid of the 50s and 60s, and now experience as nostalgia during ongoing road trips.
‘Happy Meal” acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 30″ x 1 1/2″
I’m influenced by artists of the 60’s and 70’s Pop Art Movement, especially Andy Warhol, as well as my contemporaries like Nelson Boren, Billy Schenck, and David DeVary. I present my own take on the American cowboy, southwestern landscapes, roadside culture, movies, rock-and-roll, and the commercialism and consumerism of our American way of life.
“Splash Guard” acrylic on canvas, 60″ x 36″ x 1 1/2″
Using my education in fine art, I paint things that make up the visual personality of America. This includes cowboys, neon signs, rusty pickups, murals, billboards, and Coke machines, all weathered pieces of a bygone era.
“The Wacky Wild West Roadshow” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″ x 1 1/2″
Prompted by my commercial/graphic design degree and experience as a commercial artist, I often incorporate American product labels and print advertising concepts that have shaped our past and our more recent culture.
“Lip Gloss” acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 36″ x 1 1/2″
Whether painting directly on canvas, or on paper mounted on canvas, I use vivid, mixed-media colors, spatters and splatters, drips and drops. I’m always aiming for visual stimulation for myself and for my viewers.
“Warm Fizzies” mixed media on paper mounted on canvas, 40″ x 30″ x 1 1/2″
Putting together unrelated things, starting with a central character (cowboy) or object, I add to the composition, item by item. I include the things I love, and hope others can relate to, until I see what I want. Not knowing where the painting is going keeps me interested and excited throughout the process. I sometimes even surprise myself with the outcome.
“Cutie Pie” mixed media on paper mounted on canvas, 40″ x 30″ x 1 1/2″
Always evolving, I have worked hard to develop my painting style. In the process, I’ve found my voice and I feel that I’m making a distinctive mark in the contemporary Western art world and the contemporary art world in general.
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