Artist Chuck Middlekauff’s colorful paintings are filled with iconic images from American culture. Learn more about this artist and his work by visiting his website.
“Canned” Water Media on Paper Mounted on Canvas, 30” x 40”
It’s hard to believe that, after twenty-six years as an artist, I’m still having fun and painting what I’ve always loved.
“Bed And Bath With Pool” Acrylic on Canvas, 28” x 22”
I am inspired by the road culture of the western United States and American culture in general—advertising art, toys, cartoons and comic books, Coke machines and windmills, cowboys, rock and roll and even my aging painting tools.
“Cafe Al Fresco” Acrylic on Canvas, 28” x 22”
When I was a kid in the 1950’s, we played outside all day imitating our cowboy and Indian favorites from Saturday matinee movies and TV. We also watched cartoons and idolized comic book super heroes.
“Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels #2” Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 36”
Every three years my family traveled across the United States to my dad’s new Air Force duty stations. When I wasn’t squabbling with my sisters in the backseat, I pressed my face against the car window, captivated by neon signs and billboards, cafes and gas pumps, fences and cattle—catching glimpses of real-life cowboys and filing those images in my mind. My teenage thoughts revolved around girls, cruising the burger stands, girls, sneaking in the drive-in, girls, playing guitar in a garage band, girls, and cranking up 1960’s rock and roll tunes—especially the Beatles and the Beach Boys—on a record player.
“Shake, Rattle, and Roll” Acrylic and Collage on Linen, 36” x 48”
I didn’t discover I was an artist until I had squeaked through school, done four years in the Navy, studied and worked as a draftsman, and spent four years at Metropolitan State University in Denver, trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Eventually, I took a drawing course, and found out from a quirky professor that I had some talent. Besides, art was fun.
“Home Plate” Acrylic on Canvas, 16” x 24”
My Bachelor of Fine Art diploma looked good on the wall, but I didn’t see how it would pay the rent. So, at the Art Institute of Colorado, excellent instructors taught me design, color, texture and concept. I won the Aspen Design Conference poster competition, and I graduated with honors in graphic design.
“The Wild and Wacky West Roadshow” Acrylic on Canvas, 60” x 30”
Then, after four years in the real world of commercial art in Denver and Los Angeles, I found I wasn’t having any fun anymore.
“The Wacky West Wildlife Show” Water Media on Paper Mounted on Canvas, 40” x 30”
So, I ventured out as a full-time fine artist. Finding my style, medium, and an ongoing array of subjects, I approached a number of fine galleries where I am still showing and selling my work.
“Coca Cola Cowboy” Water Media on Paper Mounted on Canvas, 30” x 40”
People do me the honor of taking my art home with them, even the Booth Western Art Museum and Raymond James Financial collections.
“The Wild and Wacky West” Water Media on Paper Mounted on Canvas, 40” x 30”
My wife Carol and I live in Austin, Texas. We love traveling—especially across the American west—searching for American artifacts, which are slowly but surely vanishing. Time and weather have added a wonderful patina of textures, colors and intensity to my favorite things.
“Will Work for Barbeque” Watercolor and Acrylic on Paper Mounted on Canvas, 24” x 18”
Back in the studio, I paint to the fun beat and lyrics of tunes from the 50’s and 60’s, and layer upon layer, the watercolor and acrylic paints (mingled with influences of American pop and contemporary western artists) bring back to life those treasures from my growing-up years.
Artist Chuck Middlekauff in his studio
I’m having fun. I like to think my collectors are having fun too.
Artist Chuck Middlekauff invites you to follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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