Paul Chase and his wife Mary live in Galena, IL where Paul has his studio. He received a Bachelors degree in Art and a Masters in Communications both from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He has taught art and graphic arts at the high school and college level for over 30 years, recently retiring from Jo Daviess Carroll Area Vocational Center in Elizabeth, IL. Paul is a distant relative of the “other” famous American artist from Sun Prairie, WI, Georgia O’Keeffe. His large close up guitar images were influenced by her large close up flower series.
His innovative fine art guitar paintings, prints and posters can be seen at www.graphicguitars.com . “Graphicguitars” images can be found on book covers, cd covers, jigsaw puzzles, table tops, night lights, etc. The Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, Mix Dream Recording Studio, Nashville, The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Wild About Music Galleries in Austin Texas, The Texas Musicians Museum, The Iowa Rock N’ Roll Music Association Museum, The Les Paul permanent Exhibit/Museum in Waukesha, WI, high end guitar shops and on line.
Paul has created guitar art in cooperation with Country Music artists John Michael Montgomery and Kenny Chesney. Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Les Paul, Doyle Dykes, B.B. King, Muriel Anderson, Stephen Bennet, Paul Cullen, Michael W. Smith and others are among those who have added Paul's art to their collection.
Through the www.graphicguitars.com website limited edition prints and original paintings are now in the collections of guitarists and musicians worldwide.
“WesternVisions” come from Paul’s experience in the west. Paul lived in Montana for many years and recently became a close friend of the horse…and all the details of riding. And, of course-the cowboy and his guitar!
"Stone Horses ", Paul's most recent collection evolved from his Montana roots, interest in horses and the challenge of carving horse heads that represent their beauty and charm...in stone!
"Guitar Sculpture Gallery" is a vast collection of guitar inspired sculptures. Several years ago the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel of Nashville hosted a solo show with 50 pieces, ranging from 10" to 10' from a wide variety of materials and techniques. The Hotel has collected many of the original work and is showcased around the entrance, lobby and restaurant.
“GraphicDimensions” describes the collection of Paul’s 3 dimensional sculptures . Marble, limestone and soapstone sculptures in various sizes and colors of stone fill his studio, yard and galleries.
“Music Visions” are Paul’s most recent collection. Stone carvings of music symbols: Treble Clef, notes, rests and combinations. Finally the question asked by musicians for centuries is answered… “What does the back of a note or treble clef look like?”
“ArchitecturalVisions” are a recent addition to Paul’s creative passion. Large format paintings of landscapes and buildings. Oil paint and acrylic paint are applied to the canvas ranging in sizes from 5×20″ to 5×5 feet. The environment will never be the same.
The “WaterColor” Gallery reveals some the artists roots. Early paintings that are still a favorite. Paul loves to attack the technique of watercolor painting and create places in the world around, and places in the heart.
“VineYardGuitars” combine the romance of music and fine wine, the guitar and art. Many of the originals have actual guitars embedded in the panel and then are painted over for a fresh, vibrant 3 dimensional exhibit.Paul recently created over 50 sculptures inspired by the guitar and his work was on on display in Nashville TN for a six month one man show. The guitar sculptures ranged in size from 10” to 10’ and were created from wood, stone, concrete, metal, glass, and combinations.
Paul has authored the book... GraphicGuitars with over 400 quotes by guitarists and illustrated with hundred of Paul’s original guitar images. The book is published by Café Press can be found at www.graphicguitars.com
His whimsical landscapes know as “GraphicVisions” are found in many shops and galleries in Galena and more recently in several Chicago suburbs. The artist’s landscape style has developed over the years, offering an innovative interpretation of local environment. Paul describes it as, “A combination of reality and fantasy that demands our thoughts, yet offers a vision of a place we have seen—and where we can rest.”
Paul has “paulchaseized” places all over America…Sonoma, CA, Santa Fe, NM, Tubac, AZ, Tombstone, AZ, Princeton, NJ, Glenwood Springs, CO, Aspen CO…and the list goes on. Check www.paulchase.net
The latest creative collection is called GraphicDimensions -Artist Paul Chase has entered the third dimension. A new series of sculptures inspired by natural material, motion, and elements of design. The pieces will enrich any interior or exterior environment releasing the viewer. Created from metal, wood and stone the sculptures are available in sizes ranging from 10 inches to 10 feet.
