Chris Austin - Arts of Life

Artist

Chris Austin

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About

Studio Member since 2017

b.1967

Chris Austin studied mechanics at Ferris State University; a background that is evident in the meticulous art making process. Thoughtfully composed works emerge from methodical planning that manifests through research, sketching, and assembling source materials.

Austin alternates between painting on canvas and hand-cut cardboard. This imbues his artwork with a fresh viewpoint and authenticity. Austin’s mechanical interest is further evidenced in 2-dimensional works in which he uses subject matter to break the linear border of the substrate.

Austin’s painting practice is grounded in realism with a nod to folk art. He layers elements within his paintings while intentionally overlooking volume and shadow. His primary focus is on “the composition [and] the colors”. This simplicity encourages narratives to emerge that are left open for personal interpretation and musing.

“Art is expressing yourself. I know how to make good art.”

Portfolio Work

Picture Within A Painting, 2018
mixed medium
36" x 28"

Untitled, 2020
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

Two Beautiful Women with a Parasol, 2020
acrylic on canvas
20" x 16"

The Elephant, 2020
acrylic
18" x 19"

A Lunch At The Beach When It’s Raining Out, 2020
acrylic
16" x 20"

Mumble Band, 2020
acrylic
13" x 27"

Great Design, 2018
acrylic
16" x 20"

Miss Banana India, 2020
acrylic
0" x 0"

The Nurse, 2019

16" x 20"

Tri-Skiing, 2018
mixed medium
20" x 24"

Safe in the Lion’s Arms, 2019
acrylic on canvas
18" x 24"

Tower Beach, 2019
acrylic
20" x 16"

Man is the Moon, 2019
acrylic
16" x 20"

Miss Cloworth, 2019
acrylic
20" x 16"

1994 The Red Cornon, 2019
acrylic
16" x 20"

Two Flowers, 2020
acrylic
21" x 27"

Circles, 2020
acrylic
0" x 0"

Hand Toolbox Snap On, 2020
acrylic on cardboard
11" x 7"

Kristine Doer, 2018
acrylic
8.5" x 10.5"

At the Park by Lake Michigan in Chicago, 2020
acrylic
20" x 16"

Squirrel Jungle Gym, 2017
acrylic
11" x 14"

Star Flower, 2019
acrylic
26" x 22"

Exhibitions

Like Sirens

Circle Contemporary, Glenview, IL - 2019

D6 Design + Art #12

Dock 6 Collective, Chicago, IL - 2019

North Shore Awards Show

Circle Contemporary North Shore, Glenview, IL - 2018